1 dead, 4 hurt as SUV rams local tourists in La Union


CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union – One student died and his four companions were injured after they were struck by a sports utility vehicle in Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union on Tuesday, May 2.

Police Corporal Alfredo Agbunag, investigator of the San Juan police station, identified the fatality as Aldrick Espinosa, 19, of Taguig City.

Investigation said Espinosa and his companions Sharney Rubio, 20, student, of General Trias, Cavite; Eryn Amante, 19, a student from  Laguna; Rowell de Guzman, 19, a student from Quezon City;  and Maria Quisha Denaga, 21, of Malate, Manila, were walking on the sidewalk of the national highway when they were accidentally bumped by a southbound Mitsubishi Montero SUV with license plates AEZ-405 driven by Romeo Nalayog, 60, a retired policeman and resident of Barangay Magsiping, Luna, La Union.

Victims sustained serious body injuries and tricycle drivers rushed them to the nearest hospital but Espinosa was declared dead on arrival.

The survivors are recuperating in the hospital.

Victims were visiting the surfing area of San Juan, La Union when they figured in the accident.

Agbunag said the driver of the SUV is under police custody. Appropriate charges are being prepared against Nalayog.