Two motorcycle riders dead in separate accidents

CEBU, Philippines — A 32-year-old motorcycle rider died after his motorcycle was hit then run over by a wing van along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion Ward 1, Minglanilla town, around 5:40 A.M. Saturday, June 27.

The victim was identified as Vince Henry Dolino Saso, a resident of Barangay Tabtoy, Tuyan, City of Naga.

His 37-year-old wife, riding as his passenger, was injured and was taken to the Minglanilla District Hospital for treatment.

The wing van was driven by Jason Fernandez, 43, a resident of Barangay Pangdan, Naga City.

Initial investigation by the Minglanilla Municipal Police Station showed that the wing van was traveling northbound on the inner lane while the motorcycle was heading south.

According to the victim’s wife, her husband allegedly fell asleep while driving, causing their motorcycle to enter the opposite lane.

Police said the wing van driver tried to avoid the collision by swerving to the right, but the motorcycle still crashed into the vehicle and was later run over by the wing van.

Saso died at the scene due to the impact, while his wife suffered injuries.

Fernandez is now under police custody and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries, and damage to property. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

In a separate incident, another motorcycle rider died after crashing into the rear of a pickup truck along the southbound lane of the Tabunok Flyover in Talisay City around 10:40 A.M. Friday, June 26.

The rider sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the Cebu South Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival. Authorities have not yet released his identity pending the official police report and notification of his family.

According to City of Talisay Traffic Operations and Development Authority head Joy Tumulak, witnesses saw the motorcycle traveling along N. Bacalso Avenue on the outer lane before it suddenly turned toward the flyover.

Upon entering the flyover, the motorcycle was reportedly traveling at high speed before it crashed into the rear of a pickup truck heading in the same direction. The impact trapped the rider behind the pickup truck before throwing him onto the gutter along the flyover.

Based on the initial investigation, authorities believe excessive speed may have been one of the factors that caused the crash. Investigators are also looking into whether the rider swerved to avoid oncoming vehicles before hitting the pickup truck.

Authorities are still determining whether alcohol, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the accident.(CEBU NEWS)