Two dead, three minors hurt in Kabankalan crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Two people died and three minors were injured after a motorcycle crashed into a tree in Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

The fatalities were identified as “Graciano,” 50, of Barangay Carol-an, and “Riza,” 35, of Barangay Tagukon.

Police Lt. Col. Roberto Indiape Jr., chief of Kabankalan City Police Station, said Riza had hired Graciano to drive her home on a scooter-type motorcycle.

Riza’s 15-year-old niece and her two daughters, ages 5 and 7 months, were also on board.

On the way, Graciano reportedly lost control of the motorcycle while traveling downhill and slammed into a roadside tree, according to Indiape.

Indiape said Riza and Graciano were declared dead at a hospital.

The 5-year-old girl was discharged Tuesday night, while the infant and the teenager are still recuperating.

Despite the risks, Indiape said motorcycles remain a common mode of transport in the mountainous parts of the village.