SUV driver steps on accelerator causing multiple vehicle collision

CEBU, Philippines — The driver of the sports utility vehicle involved in a collision of vehicles at noon of February 8 along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City was arrested and is now under the custody of the police.

There were six vehicles involved in the collision and two people lost their lives.

Police identified the suspect as Mercelino Denila, 62, married, and a resident of Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City, and was driving a Nissan Terra.

A couple who was riding a motorcycle when the accident happened also died. Police identified the deceased and the driver of the motorcycle as Marcelino Ardimer Pepito while his backrider was identified as Analyn Cubong Pepito.

Both individuals were declared dead-on-arrival at the hospital where they were brought to.

Police investigation revealed that two public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and a Toyota Velos were traversing the road going to Fuente Osmeña area while a motorcycle and a Nissan Terra were also traveling to the downtown area when the incident happened.

During the incident, the Nissan Terra which was traveling to the downtown area, accidentally swerved and collided with the left front side portion and collided with the left rear side portion of the PUJ which was going to the uptown area.

Police Major Jonathan dela Cerna, chief of the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Cebu City Police Office, said that Denila, who was driving the vehicle panicked and instead of stepping on the brake, he stepped on the accelerator causing the vehicle to speed off, hitting other vehicles including the motorcycle before it made a stop.

The couple on board the motorcycle died due to the impact and the injuries acquired.

Dela Cerna said that Denila is currently detained with the authorities while they are waiting for the family of the victims to file charges against the driver.

He also added that if the two parties will have an amicable settlement, a case won’t be filed against the suspect. (CEBU NEWS)