Girl killed by truck in Bogo City

CEBU – A playful afternoon bath with friends became the last for a four-year-old girl in Bogo City after she was hit by a vehicle that went out of control.

Czyrelle Dene Masong, of barangay Binabag, Bogo City, was enjoying the cool water from a roadside faucet when she was sideswept by a Mitsubishi Canter truck van past 4 p.m. last Saturday.

Three other playmates of Masong, PO3 Cecil Jugasan said, were able to notice the vehicle and ran farther away.

According to the report in the police blotter, the said vehicle was negotiating an ascending right curve when suddenly one of its tires slipped off the edge of the concrete road.

The driver lost control of the vehicle that then sideswept the victim before falling on its right side.

Jugasan said the driver immediately left the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, fearing for his safety as some bystanders witnessed the accident.

It was the companion of the driver, who was also unidentified, who brought Masong to Verallo District Hospital where she was declared dead on arrival after suffering severe head injuries.

Jugasan said the vehicle, with plate number TBE-913 was owned by CRU International located in Basak Mandaue City.

As of yesterday, Jugasan said the owner of the vehicle presented himself to the police station was advised to see the parents of Masong for possible negotiation.

A charge of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide will be filed against the driver who can no longer be located.

Safe Kids Philippines, a non government organization looking after the safety and welfare of children, noted that roadside accidents remains one of the highest causes of death among children from toddlers to school age. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)