Two riders killed after crashing into parked truck

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two riders died after their motorcycle crashed into a parked truck and slid underneath it around 1:25 a.m. on October 25 in Barangay New Lucena, Iloilo.

Police identified the fatalities as motorcycle driver alias Remly, 31, and his 28-year-old backrider, alias Josel, both residents of Barangay Jamabalud, Pototan.

The two were reportedly heading to Dawis after coming from Jamabalud when the accident occurred.

Corporal Greg Gonce, traffic investigator of the New Lucena police, said the riders were supposed to stay overnight at a roadside coffee shop nearby.

“They must have been sleepy because they came from a wake in Lambunao town,” Gonce said, noting that they had already passed the shop where they intended to rest.

The truck, loaded with tons of bagasse, is owned by a businessman from Negros Occidental.

The truck driver was asleep inside the vehicle when the collision happened.

Gonce said the driver had placed an early warning device, but the riders may not have noticed it due to poor lighting in the area.

Although the victims were not under the influence of alcohol, reports confirmed they were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Both victims were rushed to Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, but Remly was declared dead on arrival.

Josel died several minutes later while receiving treatment.

Gonce added that the victims’ families have signed affidavits of non-interest in pursuing charges.