2 dead, 7 wounded as van falls into creek

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A merchant and her employee died while seven others were injured after a wing van truck fell into a creek at Barangay Salong, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental early Thursday.

Police identified the fatalities as Jenalie Alfonso, 49, of Barangay 4, a merchant, and her employee, Antonio Miralles, 65.

Wounded were Marvin Ballerta, 19; Nelson Barabas, 19; Rene Boy Atong, 20; Manuel Solina, 23; Marjon Marino, 22; and Elmer Moralia, 25.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jonel Guadalupe, Kabankalan City police chief, said the accident happened at 2:30 a.m. when 36-year-old Alberto Timtim Jr. allegedly lost control of the vehicle and suddenly crossed over to the opposite lane while approaching the bridge.

The victims were on its way to Barangay Tabugon to buy commodities for the market day.

Guadalupe said Alfonso and Miralles were severely injured as they were sitting on the front seats. The six wounded victims were at the back of the vehicle.

All victims were rushed to a hospital, where Alfonso and Miralles were declared dead.

The driver is unstable and under observation because of the injuries he sustained, Guadalupe said.

 

Police have yet to determine if the accident was caused by human error or mechanical problem.