Two killed in head-on crash in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two people died in a head-on collision between a wing van and a cement mixer truck late in the morning of Sept. 10 in Leganes, Iloilo.

The fatalities were identified as Fermin Gamarcha Jr., 40, of Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Cali, Dumangas, Iloilo, and Niño Miranda, 45, of Barangay Tamocol, Badiangan, Iloilo.

Gamarcha was driving the concrete mixer truck that collided with the Isuzu wing van, where Miranda was one of two helpers.

Wing van driver Rhyan Ramos, 41, of Barangay Cadagmayan Norte, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, and his helper, Jomar Sonza, 22, of Barangay Lanag, Sta. Barbara, were also injured in the incident.

Police reports stated the concrete mixer truck was heading from Iloilo City to Zarraga town when the accident occurred around 11:10 a.m. along Radial Road in Barangay Calaboa, Leganes.

Capt. John Robles, chief of the Leganes police, said the collision happened after the wing van’s right front tire burst, causing Ramos to lose control and veer into the opposite lane.

Gamarcha was unable to avoid the oncoming vehicle.

The impact left both drivers and Miranda trapped in their seats. It took almost an hour for Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel to free them.

Sonza was thrown from the vehicle and rushed to Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Miranda was taken to West Visayas State University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:47 p.m.

Gamarcha died at 3:30 p.m. while undergoing treatment at Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo.

Ramos was also taken to Western Visayas Medical Center and is reported to be in stable condition.

Robles said an investigation is ongoing to determine if anyone will be held accountable for the incident.