2 dead, 47 hurt in STAR tollway accident

BATANGAS, Philippines – Two persons were killed and 47 others were injured in an accident along the South Luzon Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway in Batangas Thursday night, police said yesterday.

Senior Superindent Omega Jireh Fidel, Batangas police director, said bus conductor Arnel Diaz and passenger Jade Anthony Dimalibot, 18, were pronounced dead on arrival at the Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa City.

The wounded passengers, two of them in critical condition, were being treated at the same hospital.

Initial investigation showed that a Dimple Bus (TYS-454) driven by Lorenzo Caringal Jr. hit a 10-wheeler truck (RMB-486) driven by Rodel Guno along KM-76 in Barangay Pusil at around 11 p.m.

Witnesses said Caringal could have fallen asleep while driving.

Caringal faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide and multiple physical injuries.