Three Dead in Motorcycle-Truck Crash in Kabankalan

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Three men riding a motorcycle died in a head-on collision with a sugarcane-loaded truck at Crossing Cabanyohan, Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday night.

The victims were identified as Rico, 26; Robin, 19; and Jomel, 21, all laborers and residents of the village.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, said the victims had attended a purok fiesta and were believed to be intoxicated on their way home around 9:40 p.m.

Indiape said the motorcycle, driven by Rico, was allegedly speeding downhill when it veered into the opposite lane and collided with a truck traveling uphill.

None of the victims were wearing helmets when they fell onto the pavement and were rushed to a hospital.

Rico and Jomel were declared dead on arrival, while Robin later died during treatment, Indiape said.

The truck driver, 40, surrendered to police following the crash.

He will be released after the 18-hour reglementary detention period, pending an initial settlement with the victims’ families.

Police said the incident was reported only on Sunday morning.