Van runs over man at reclamation area

An unidentified man was killed after he was run over yesterday morning by a 20-footer van loaded with prawns along S. Osmeña Street in North Reclamation Area.

The man, who was rushed to the hospital by Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation personnel, died due to severe injuries in different parts of his body. The driver of the van ran toward the nearby headquarters of the Mobile Patrol Group of the Cebu City Police Office to report the accident.

SPO1 Nelson Jaime identified the driver as Edgardo Anore, 41, of Mahayahay, Subangdaku, Mandaue City, who was driving the vehicle with plate number CTX-188 owned by Roro Trucking Services based in North Reclamation Area.

The fatality is estimated to be 30 to 40 years old, heavily built, and wearing short pants and a t-shirt.

Jaime told The Freeman that Anore claimed he didn't see the man cross his way but admitted that something blocked the rear tire of his truck, prompting him to stop.

The driver told police that he was shocked upon seeing the body of the victim bleeding under the right rear tire of the van, saying that the victim might have been dragged under his truck for 18 to 20 meters.

Based on Anore's accounts, Jaime said the driver was waiting for the "go signal" when he saw the victim standing across the street leaning on the concrete wall of an unfinished hotel.

When he started to maneuver, Anore claimed he did not see the man cross in front of the truck until he heard something unusual from under his vehicle.

The ERUF personnel rushed to the scene and brought the victim to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Police did not find anything that could help identify him.

Based on the driver's statement, Jaime theorized that the victim might have intentionally thrown himself under the truck. "Maoy pagsabot sa drayber nga nituyo gyud ni og pagpabangil diha sa iyang sakyanan kay nakit-an pa gyud niya nga nagbarog-barog diha sa daplin kay kung nitabok makit-an unta niya."

The driver is now in police custody pending the filing of charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide against him today. - Edwin Ian Melecio