A 45-year-old provincial government employee was killed in an accident in Matalam, Cotabato on Saturday morning, the day of his deceased wife’s burial, leaving behind their two kids orphaned.
Police identified the fatality as Junifel Conel Sr.
MATALAM Rotonda
Investigation said Junifel Sr., accompanied by son 17-year-old Junifel Jr., were on their way to buy purified water for the interment when he lost control of their Sports Utility Vehicle and crashed into a parked 10-wheel wing van on the roadside.
The Conels were taken to a hospital where Junifel Sr. was declared dead and Junifel Jr. under treatment for injuries.
Police said the elder Conel could have dozed off behind the wheel due to being up all night on the last day of the wake, resulting in the accident.
A settlement is being discussed between the wing wan owner and the victims’ family, police added.
Junifel Sr.'s wife died from an illness days earlier.
The burial proceeded and the two children will be taken care of by their relatives.