One killed, 5 injured in Banilad accident

CEBU, Philippines - A pedestrian was killed while five others were injured when a van traversing Barangay Banilad towards Barangay Talamban lost control around 1pm yesterday.

The Mitsubishi L300 with plate number UDR-223 driven by Jupiter Bantilan, 30, also hit a passenger jeepney with plate number KBV-824 traveling on the opposite lane.

Investigation showed that the victim, Sonny Notivo, 39, of Pagsabungan, Mandaue City was crossing Governor M. Cuenco Avenue near the Banilad flyover when he was hit by the van and thrown off at quite a distance. The van reportedly went on a zigzag motion presumably to avoid hitting Notivo again, but still ran him over.

Afterwards, the van hit a passenger jeepney heading towards Cebu City proper, the impact causing injury to Bantilan’s passengers identified as Ryan Bagasmas, 21 and Bryan Polistico, 25, of Barangay Talamban and Antonio Doncillo, 55, of Barangay Bacayan.

Residents near the area rushed Notivo to the Gullas Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.

The jeepney driver, Joel Revales, and Bantilan, were taken to the Gullas hospital while the passengers were taken to the Cebu City Medical Center where their bruises are being treated.

The van was towed by the One-Stop towing services while the jeepney was impounded at the Traffic Patrol Group office.

Police said possible charges against Bantilan will be tackled in the investigation once the driver recuperates from his injuries and once families of the victims express interest to file a case against him. – THE FREEMAN