1 killed, 6 hurt in Toledo road mishap

CEBU, Philippines - A woman died while six others were injured, including a 10-year-old girl, when three tricycles figured in an accident with an Isuzu Elf truck on the national highway of Barangay Luray 2, Toledo City last Saturday morning.

All the victims were on board the tricycles that were traveling in one direction when a truck, which was traversing on the opposite lane, hit and dragged them.

Police said Desiderio Hibrada, resident of Tayud, Consolacion, driver of the truck with plate numbers GMC-924 that is reportedly owned by the Telecommunication Management Services Incorporated lose control of his vehicle that resulted to the accident.

The truck first hit the tricycle (QM-3151) driven by Nicolas Laspona with passengers Rowena Crisostomo, 29 and Christine De Vera, 25.

Then it hit and dragged the other tricycle (7Q-4009 driven by Jennifer Abella with passengers Gomercenda Pansalada, 52 and Mary Grace Ubanos, 10.

The third tricycle (GZ-4606) that was also dragged by the truck was driven by Eleno Lopez, Jr.

All the victims are residents of Toledo City.

SPO3 Carmelito Hornales of Toledo City Police Station said Hibrada was driving the truck from their office in Barangay Sangi bound for Barangay Luray 2 when shortly after reaching its destination, the steering wheel suddenly stopped functioning and lost control of the vehicle eventually ramming onto the tricycles, causing them to fall on their sides.

All drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicles were rushed to the Toledo City District Hospital for treatment. However, Abella, who sustained severe injuries on the body, did not make it to the hospital alive. —Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)