CAMP OLA, Albay – Three students were killed when they were hit by a wayward truck while attending their online class in a sari-sari store in Placer town in Masbate province Sunday afternoon, October 10.
Police Major Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson identified the fatalities as “Christy”, 16; “Ferdalyn”, 10 and “Jelian”, 13, all residents of Purok 9, Brgy. Matagangtang, Placer town.
Initial investigation disclosed that the ten-wheeler truck driven by 30-year-old Jomar Tanael was negotiating a road in Purok 9, Barangay Matagangtang at around 3:45 p.m. when he lost control of the steering wheel, which caused the truck to hit the porch of a residence where the victims were attending online classes.
A police report said the three students died on the spot.
The 10-wheeler truck which is owned by an engineer from Masbate City, was used to haul sand and gravel aggregates. It was on its way to Cataingan town from Milagros, both in Masbate province, when the accident occurred.
The truck driver was placed under police custody, facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Region 5 (Bicol) said it will investigate the deaths.
Mark Kevin Arroco said an investigation of the tragic incident would be conducted as a standard procedure, particularly on why the victims were holding online classes on a Sunday. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)