BACOLOD CITY - Two persons were killed while four others were injured after a truck loaded with pineapples collided with a motorcycle in Purok Laroca, Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental on Monday.
Killed in the accident were motorcycle driver Christian Jay Tiansay, 31, of Hinigaran town; and his backrider Cherryl Maguad, 34, of Victorias City, according to Murcia Police Chief Lt. John Paul Tabujara.
Tabujara said the accident happened when the truck’s left front tire suddenly detached from the vehicle, causing it to swerve to the opposite lane, hitting the motorcycle parked by the roadside.
Tabujara said the two victims already stopped at the roadside when they saw from a far that the alleged speeding truck driven by Rogelio Endrina, 41, of San Carlos City, was moving erratically. However, the truck still reached them.
The truck then dragged the motorcycle a few meters away until the vehicle fell on its side and the two riders fell on an irrigation canal, the town police chief added.
The accident happened around 5:30 a.m. The motorcycle was destroyed, while pineapples were scattered on the road.
The two victims were declared dead at a hospital due to head injuries, Tabujara said, adding that only Tiansay was wearing a helmet.
Tabujara said the three passengers of the truck, including the owner and two helpers, as well as Endrina sustained minor injuries.
He said Endrina is now detained at Murcia Municipal Police Station, pending the filing of charges against him.