Couple killed in road collision

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A man and his girlfriend died after their car collided with a truck loaded with sacks of sugar at Hacienda Newton Jison, Barangay 13, Victorias City, Negros Occidental last Monday.

Police identified the victims as Alejandre Brotarlo, 28, of Roxas, Capiz; and Queenie Rocaberte, 23, of Barangay 5, Victorias City.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Fajardo Jr., city police chief, said the couple was on their way to Victorias City to visit Rocaberte’s family and deliver the passport of Rocaberte’s brother when the accident happened.

Fajardo said Brotarlo was allegedly speeding on board a sedan when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and encroached the truck’s lane that led to the head-on collision.

The truck driven by Juanito Panes Jr., 43, of Kabankalan City was on its way to Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. (Bredco) port here.

Fajardo said that it took a few minutes for the rescuers to remove the victims from the damaged car because they were stuck due to the impact.

“Lapit lang sa rescue ang area so naka responde dayon,” he added.

However, the couple was declared dead on arrival at a hospital due to severe head injuries, according to Fajardo.

Fajardo said that Panes was released from police custody yesterday, following a settlement between the victims’ families and the truck owner.