16 Silay City gov't workers hurt in mishap decline to file charges
AUTHORITIES secure the accident site in Silay City.
BACOLOD CITY – Sixteen out of 17 government workers injured in an accident in Silay City, Negros Occidental last month have opted not to file charges against the driver of a city government-owned mini-dump truck involved in the incident.
Police Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay police chief, said the victims chose not to pursue legal action against Hernane Masa as he is also a fellow government worker. Only one injured individual remains undecided, he added.
Masa, who was hospitalized following the June 27 incident, was released and is now recovering at home. He was under hospital arrest but no formal complaints were filed against him, leading to his discharge.
The accident occurred when the dump truck carrying 24 passengers returning from a tree-planting event in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, overturned, reportedly due to brake failure.
Darroca said that four victims are still recovering in hospitals.
The families of the seven fatalities have yet to decide if they will pursue legal action. Authorities plan to follow up with them after the victims’ interment.