One dead, 42 injured in two road mishaps

CEBU, Philippines — Thirty-four persons were injured including a 9-month-old baby after a van-for-hire collided with a mini bus at around 4 p.m. Saturday on the national highway of Barangay Macaas, Catmon, Cebu.

Police Senior Inspector Romeo Caacoy, Chief of Catmon Police, said that based on their initial investigation, the van was on its to Cebu City when the driver identified as Junerey Barafon, 32, of Barangay Paypay, Daanbantayan overtook another vehicle ahead and swerved to the opposite lane that resulted in a head-on collision with a northbound minibus.

The 18 passengers of the van including Barafon as well as the 16 passengers of the minibus including the driver identified as Aurio Lavador, 52, of Sogod, Cebu, were injured.

“Kurbada man ni diha ang area, pag-overtake sa v-hire wa siya kabantay nga aduna’y nagpadung nga minibus sa pikas lane maong wala na niya nakontrol ang manibela,” said Caacoy.

Both Barafon and Lavador were referred to a hospital in Cebu City after sustaining leg fractures according to Police Officer 1 Charlie Bersaga.

Meanwhile, in Toledo City, one died while eight were injured in a road crash involving a motorcycle and a tricycle in Barangay Matab-ang yesterday midnight.

Senior Police Officer 1 Roxam Enerio identified the fatality as Florencio Mahinay, 53, one of the passengers of the tricycle.

Enerio added that the two vehicles were travelling on opposite direction.

The driver of the motorcycle identified as Christian Barcero, 29, suddenly swerved to the opposite lane and rammed into the approaching tricycle driven by Ramil Cabonita, 33.

Cabonita and his passengers identified as Ronalyn Cabonita, 29; Ramjie Cabonita, 8; Xiane Cabonita, 4; Wendel Juares, 20; and Emerlinda Mahinay, 46; suffered injuries and were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment Florencio was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Barcero and his motorcycle back-rider identified as Niño Rosuerto, 25, also suffered injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

Enerio said that Barcero will face a case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical Injuries and homicide. (FREEMAN)