Four hurt after bus hits tricycle in Tabogon

CEBU, Philippines - Four people, two of them minors, were injured in a vehicular accident involving a tricycle and a bus on the national highway of Barangay Ilihan, Tabogon town, last Friday afternoon.

The tricycle was reportedly trying to avoid a pothole on the road causing it to hit to the approaching Rough Riders bus traveling in the opposite direction.

The victims were identified as tricycle driver Frietz Neil Cortes, 16; Roberto Wagas, 17; Jack Lord Tumulak Agua, 31; and Mark Tumulak, 22, all residents of Barangay Libjo, who were taken to the Don Verallo Hospital in Bogo City.

They were later referred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for further treatment.

Initial investigation conducted by SPO1 Derrick Inot revealed that Rough Rider bus, with license plate numbers GVM-119, driven by Artemio Precillas, 47, and resident of Barangay Goyong, Tabogon, was traveling to Bogo City from Cebu City.

The tricycle, with license plate numbers 1442GV, driven by Cortes was bound for Barangay Ilihan from Barangay Libjo at that time.

Upon reaching a slightly curved portion of the road, the tricycle was trying to avoid a pothole and Cortes encroached into the opposite lane. He failed to notice the approaching bus which caused the incident.

The tricycle was allegedly traveling at a high speed.

Inot claimed that the tricycle was thrown a few meters away after it was hit causing injuries to those who were on board.

Police found that Cortes was driving without license.

Precillas is now detained at the Tabogon police stockade after he voluntarily surrendered to the police.

Police are now waiting for complainants to file charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries against Precillas.  (FREEMAN)