Couple killed in truck-trike collision

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A married couple perished after a truck rammed into their parked top-down tricycle early morning of March 15 in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Police identified the victims as Jessie Lozada and Veronica Lozada, both fish traders and residents of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, City Proper, Iloilo City.

They were rushed to Miag-ao Rural Health Unit but were declared dead on arrival.

Their companion, Franklin Vargas, 42, of Barangay Kirayan Norte, Miagao, Iloilo survived the incident with minor wounds. He is now recuperating at a hospital in Iloilo City.

Police reports indicated that the couple stopped by the roadside at Barangay Kirayan to fetch Vargas.

The three were off to buy fish wholesale when the incident happened.

The Elf truck driver, Simplicity Fernandez Jr., 47, of Barangay Apgahan, Patnongon, Antique, claimed he did not notice the tricycle.

Police investigation showed that the tricycle’s rear lights were not turned on or probably broken when the incident happened.

Fernandez came from Patnongon and was on his way to Iloilo City to buy fruits for trading when the collision happened.

Due to the impact, the couple was thrown out of their vehicle and tossed into the truck’s windshield.

Fernandez turned himself in to police authorities.

He will be charged for reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, serious physical injury, and damage to property.