Ambulance driver in fatal crash facing charges

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities have filed charges against ambulance driver Kevin Ryan Legaspino Gesta in connection with a crash along the Archbishop Reyes Flyover in Barangay Luz, Cebu City that claimed the life of 18-year-old Braille Nichole Kwek.

On April 16, 2026, the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) lodged complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injury and damage to property before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

This came after the family of the surviving victim, motorcycle rider Juan Antonio Ladioray, filed a formal complaint, as investigators continue to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

Gesta has undergone inquest proceedings and remains under detention at the TEU custodial facility.

According to Cebu City Police Office Director Police Colonel George V. Ylanan, a separate complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide has yet to be filed, pending the decision of Kwek’s father, who is currently in Dubai.

“Sa pagkakaron, gihuwat nato ang decision sa amahan sa biktima… paingon naman kuno. Pero na-inquest na siya didto sa serious physical injury ug sa RIR. Sa serious physical injury ug damage to property,” Ylanan said.

Authorities said filing of a homicide complaint requires the participation of the victim’s immediate family.

To recall, the tragic incident resulted in the death of Kwek, who was riding a motorcycle with her classmate Ladioray when they were struck by the ambulance along the flyover.

Ladioray survived but sustained serious injuries and later filed a complaint, prompting the filing of charges.

Initial investigation showed that the ambulance was allegedly counterflowing at the time of the collision, throwing both riders onto the pavement.

Reports indicated that Kwek sustained fatal injuries from the impact.

Ylanan said the ambulance driver tested negative for both illegal drugs and alcohol following mandatory testing.

The CCPO expressed grief over the incident, calling it a tragic loss of life and stressing the need for stricter road discipline, even among emergency responders.

Under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code, reckless imprudence refers to acts done without malice but resulting in damage or injury due to lack of precaution. If the victim’s family decides to pursue the case, the charge may be elevated to reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, which carries heavier penalties.

The case remains under investigation. (CEBU NEWS)