Tractor sideswipes motorbike: 2 dead, 1 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - Two died, including a woman, while another was seriously injured when the motorcycle they were riding in was sideswiped by a passing tractor in Tondo, Manila Monday night.

Reynaldo Reyes Jr., 51, and Jenny Montejo, 19, died at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center while being treated for multiple head and body injuries.

Jenny’s 15-year-old sister, Jessica, is reportedly in critical condition in the same hospital.  

Senior Police Officer 4 Mario Jorge said the three victims were riding on a motorcycle driven by Reyes at the corner of Radial 10 and Cessa street in Tondo when a passing tractor sideswiped the motorcycle at past 7 p.m.

The three were thrown several meters away due to the impact. Only Reyes was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, according to Jorge.

The driver of the tractor, Wilson Bernillo, 37, surrendered to the police and is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide and serious physical injury.   

The Philippine National Police has noted an increase in vehicular accidents involving motorcycle riders.  – Nestor Etolle