Boy dead, granny hurt after being hit by truck

CEBU, Philippines — An eight-year-old boy was killed while his 63-year-old grandmother was injured after a Fuso Canter truck suddenly moved forward and struck them near the Balamban Public Market in Barangay Sta. Cruz-Sto. Niño, Balamban, Cebu, at around 4 P.M. last Wednesday, August 26.

The victims were identified as alias “Vicenta”, 63, a widow, and her eight-year-old grandson, both residents of Sitio Breeding, Barangay Prenza, Balamban.

Police identified the truck driver as alias “Darwin”, 38, a resident of Sitio Tunga, Barangay Cantuod, Balamban, who works as a driver for a commercial establishment inside the public market.

Based on the initial investigation by the Balamban Municipal Police Station and the account of a tricycle driver who witnessed the incident, Darwin had been trying to start the truck, which was parked along the roadside.

When the vehicle failed to start, Darwin reportedly got out to check its battery. The key was left in the ignition and the handbrake was not engaged.

The truck suddenly started moving while Darwin was checking the battery, traveling several meters before hitting Vicenta and her grandson, who were about to cross the road.

The boy was struck by one of the truck’s front wheels. The truck also hit a tricycle parked along the roadside before coming to a stop.

The two victims were rushed to Cebu Provincial Hospital-Balamban for medical treatment. However, the boy was declared dead on arrival, while his grandmother was admitted for her injuries.

Darwin was taken into police custody as authorities prepared charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries, and damage to property. – BRP (CEBU NEWS)