Two killed, six hurt in Silay van–truck crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — An outing with co-workers ended in tragedy when two persons died and six others were injured after a van sideswiped a parked dump truck in Sto. Rosario, Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

The accident claimed the lives of Gino, 24, of Barangay Guimbalaon, and Jerry, 23, of La Carlota City.

Injured were van driver Argie, 31, of Barangay 40 here; Dominador, 23, and Debie, 27, both residents of La Carlota City; Blenchie, 26, of Moises Padilla town; Rhea, 21, of Barangay Guimbalaon; and Clint, a resident of Barangay Punta Taytay here.

Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, chief of Silay City Police Station, said the employees of an electric bike (e-bike) firm were heading home from an outing when they figured in an accident around 5:27 p.m.

Argie was driving their company car when he overshot into the opposite lane and sideswiped the dump truck at the roadside.

He lost control while approaching a downhill road, allegedly at high speed, Darroca said.

Darroca said the passengers were thrown from the vehicle and sustained injuries.

Police responders smelled alcohol on Argie and speculated that he might have dozed off, causing him to overshoot into the opposite lane, according to Darroca.

Gino was declared dead in a hospital, and Jerry passed away in a hospital at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Darroca said.

Of the six injured persons, Debie and Clint are still confined in the hospital.

Argie is now in police custody for the filing of appropriate charges.

Darroca said the dump truck was empty and its 42-year-old driver was unharmed.