2 dead, 1 hurt in vehicular crash

CEBU, Philippines - Two people died while another was injured after the motorcycle they were riding collided with a trailer truck on a national highway in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City, northern Cebu Monday evening.

The fatalities were identified as motorcycle driver Randy Catamco, 22, and back rider Kempie Cumayas, 14.  Both were residents of Barangay Dakit in the same city.

The other back rider Christian Lucero, 12, suffered injuries to different parts of his body.

Police Officer 3 Jerry Dela Cruz said the vehicles were traveling on opposite lanes when the tragic accident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on May 8.

He said the motorcycle was overspeeding, causing it to ram into the trailer truck driven by Jeoffrey Velasco, 63.

He said Catamco and Cumayas were thrown out of the motorcycle and slumped into the trailer due to the strong impact.  They were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Dela Cruz said the victims were not wearing helmets and other protective gears at the time of the accident.

The truck driver surrendered to the police and is currently detained at the police station pending the filing of possible criminal complaint.

The World Health Organization’s road safety report showed that 1.25 million people have died globally due to road accidents, with motorcyclists comprising 23 percent of deaths.

Without action, WHO said road traffic crashes are predicted to rise to become the seventh leading cause of death by 2030. WHO said wearing a motorcycle helmet correctly can reduce the risk of death by almost 40 percent and the risk of severe injury by over 70 percent. (FREEMAN)