• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A 19-year-old male was killed in a road crash after his motorcycle slammed into a truck at high speed on Monday afternoon, along the national highway at Barangay Sta. Teresa, in the town of Manapla, Negros Occidental.
Authorities identified the victim as alias “Samuel,” a resident of Sitio Sangay, Barangay Purisima, of the town.
Initial investigation by the Manapla Municipal Police Station revealed that a truck driven by a 52-year-old driver alias “Reynaldo,” a resident of Cadiz City, was going from his home city towards Manapla.
At the site of the incident, the driver allegedly maneuvered to turn left, while Samuel, who was running at a high speed from the opposite direction, collided into the truck.
Authorities said the motorcycle slid underneath the truck upon impact. The victim sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
The police said that the severe head injury sustained by the victim caused his death.
The truck driver is currently in police custody pending further investigation and appropriate legal action. Traffic investigators continue to determine whether reckless driving or other factors contributed to the fatal crash.*
