Man Killed, Companion Hurt in Manapla Crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 51-year-old man died, while his companion was injured after their tricycle collided with a pick-up truck and crashed into a sugarcane field in Hacienda Busay, Barangay Punta Mesa, Manapla, Negros Occidental, on Friday.

The fatality was identified only as “Freddie,” a resident of Barangay 8, Victorias City.

His 26-year-old companion, “John,” who was driving a top-down tricycle, sustained injuries and is in stable condition at a hospital.

Police Major Robelito Mariano, chief of the Manapla Police, said the victims were heading to Victorias City when a pick-up truck swerved into their lane, causing the collision.

The truck, driven by a 51-year-old Bacolod City resident, reportedly lost control after slipping on a muddy road.

The impact caused the tricycle to veer off the road and crash into a sugarcane field, destroying a roadside barrier.

The pick-up driver was unharmed, while the two tricycle passengers suffered severe injuries.

Freddie was declared dead at the hospital, while John continues to recover.

Mariano said both parties have met but have not yet reached an agreement.

The pick-up driver will be released from police custody on Monday, March 10, if no charges are filed against him.