Tricycle driver killed in Negros Occidental collision

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A senior citizen died after a truck collided with his tricycle in Barangay III-Poblacion, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental, early Sunday.

Police identified the victim as Paterno Belleza, 67, of Barangay Mandalagan in this city.

Police Major Romulo Gepilango, Pontevedra town police chief, said the truck, driven by a 46-year-old resident of Hinigaran town, was headed to Bacolod City when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle around 1:35 a.m.

Gepilango said that the truck swerved to the left, leading to a head-on collision with Belleza’s tricycle. The impact caused the truck to drag the tricycle before crashing into a roadside nipa hut.

Gepilango added that Belleza was pinned under the tricycle, resulting in his immediate death.

Authorities suspect the truck driver may have dozed off, though they are also investigating whether the vehicle experienced a mechanical issue that could have caused the accident.

Both parties have yet to meet. The truck driver is currently detained at the police station and will be released after the 18-hour reglementary detention period.