• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
A teenager died and a minor sustained critical head injuries after their tricycle collided with a tractor-trailer on Saturday along the National Road of Hacienda Tipolo, Barangay Camandag, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
Initial investigations revealed that a tractor head with trailer, driven by an individual known as ‘Ramie,’ was traveling from Barangay Igpanulong toward San Carlos City. Meanwhile, the tricycle was traveling in the opposite direction.
As the vehicles approached a curved section of the roadway, authorities say that there was a bamboo pole extending across part of the road.
Police reports indicate that the tractor attempted to evade the obstacle, causing it to shift into the left lane. At that moment, the tricycle – carrying four passengers – was approaching from the opposite direction. The evasive maneuver by the tractor resulted in a collision with the tricycle.
The impact threw the tricycle and its occupants from the vehicle.
One of the passengers, 18-year-old ‘Je-ann,’ was struck by the trailer’s tire, resulting in her instantaneous death. Another passenger, a minor identified as ‘JR,’ sustained critical head injuries. The tricycle driver and two other minors also suffered serious injuries.
The tractor driver voluntarily surrendered to authorities and is currently in custody at the La Castellana Municipal Police Station.*
