Report says one of road accident survivors dies

After the death of the clerk of court of Naga town in a vehicular incident along the highway in barangay Colon Friday morning, there was an unconfirmed report that one of those injured had died later at the hospital.

PO2 Joselito Bacaresas of the Naga Police Station yesterday told The Freeman that they also have received the same report but could not confirm it.

One of the seven cargo truck passengers reportedly died later at the South General Hospital but police are still confirming the report since no one came to the police station to verify it.

Aligno said although they are waiting for the relatives of the reported fatality to confirm the report, one of their policemen is now inquiring on the matter.

The so-called "highway of death" took another life the other day when a mini van collided head on with a truck loaded with vegetables.

The fatality was identified as Teodisio Rizon Jr., 51, married, of sitio Taptoy, barangay Tuyan, Naga. He was driving the vehicle on his way to his office at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Naga to attend their Christmas party when the incident happened.

Seven passengers of the truck that was on its way to Cebu City were also injured in the accident, which happened at around 9:00 a.m. Initial police investigation said Rizon was trying to overtake other vehicles when his rammed into the truck.

Truck driver Virgilio Nepomuceno, a resident of barangay Saksak, Dalaguete, said he tried to apply the brakes but could not immediately get the vehicle to stop due to its heavy load of vegetables.

The impact of the collision pinned Rizon in the cab of his vehicle and it took a while for rescuers from the Naga Emergency Action Team (NEAT) to pull him out of the wreck.

He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The seven people from Dalaguete town on board the truck were also rushed to the hospital for injuries. They were identified as Diosdada Bornia, 43, of barangay Ablayan; Maria Calvo, 43, Policarpa Batoctoy, 38, Antonio Jabagat, 77, Tranquilina Moran, 42, Rosario Hesin, 66, all of barangay Mantalongon; and Ace Vergel Laksi, 23, of barangay Poblacion.

They sustained minor injuries and have reportedly all been released from the hospital. Nepomuceno surrendered to the police and is now detained at the Naga Police Station. - Norvie S. Misa