Swedish man dies in vehicle collision

CEBU, Philippines – A 20-year-old Swedish man was declared dead on arrival at the hospital at 4:30 a.m. yesterday following a vehicular collision in Dumaguete City involving his motorcycle and a cargo truck loaded with sugarcane.

The victim, identified through his passport, was Markus Andre Hansson, a bachelor tourist residing temporarily at East Balabag in Valencia town of Negros Oriental.

His backrider, Jacob Anders Peterson, 19, also a Swedish bachelor, sustained bruises in different parts of his body. The two were brought to the Silliman University Medical Center Foundation Inc.

Initial police investigation disclosed the two were riding a motorbike, travelling from east to west direction and apparently under the influence of liquor after having a drinking spree at the city's Rizal Boulevard.

The truck driver, Pindo Milendres Palomar, 21 and single, resident of Siaton town, said the motorcycle was speeding fast and hit the front portion of his vehicle, which was traveling at the opposite direction. He said he tried to apply the brakes but it was too late.

The truck was registered in the name of Sara Jane Antoniette Lachenmayer who sent her lawyer, Joel Obar to talk with the victims while extending the needed assistance.

Obar told the police to proceed with the filing of reckless imprudence charges resulting to homicide and physical injuries against Palomar so he will be able to post bail even if an amicable settlement is reached between the two sides.

The land lady of the victim, who is also a foreigner, told Obar that Hansson had been drinking almost daily along with his friends and she even advised the Swede not to drink too much. She added that it was the second accident of Hansson, the first of which was in Valencia .

Hansson was with 15 other Swedes who spent their Christmas holidays in Dumaguete City and are temporarily residing at Country Corazon Homes in Sibulan town.