Two teens killed, three hurt in La Castellana crash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

An 18-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy were killed, and three others were injured after a tractor-truck with a trailer collided with their tricycle in Hacienda Tipolo, Barangay Camandag, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on Monday, Dec. 8.

Killed in the accident were “Jay-Ann” of Barangay Mansalanao, La Castellana, and the male minor from Moises Padilla.

Wounded were “Tammy,” 53, the tricycle driver, and his passengers — two 16-year-old siblings from Barangay Camandag, La Castellana.

According to police, the truck, driven by “Ramy,” 35, of Barangay Robles, La Castellana, was headed to San Carlos City, while the tricycle was en route to the town proper when the crash occurred around 1 p.m.

Police said a bamboo pole was seen lying at the roadside, extending across part of the lane as the vehicles approached a curve.

The truck attempted to avoid the bamboo pole but veered into the opposite lane, where the tricycle — carrying four passengers — was descending.

The tricycle driver and his passengers were thrown off the vehicle.

Jay-Ann was struck by the truck’s tire and died on the spot, according to Police Capt. Jose Michael Muñez, deputy chief of the La Castellana Municipal Police Station.

Muñez said the 13-year-old boy died later that night at a hospital due to severe head injuries.

The three other victims sustained minor injuries and were declared outpatients at the hospital.

Ramy voluntarily surrendered to the police.

Muñez said Jay-Ann’s family has decided to press charges against the truck driver.