1 dead in car crash, 14 hurt

April 27, 2013  First published on The News Today Libre

A birthday celebration turned into tragedy after a car collision in Brgy. Balabago Bito-on.

Fourteen people were hurt including four children when a PUJ hit the backside of a parked ten wheeler truck on a slight curve, propelling passengers out of the vehicle.

Melanie Gregorios, whose birthday was last Wednesday, was declared dead on arrival at Western Visayas State University Medical Center about 7 p.m. while 14 others, remain critical in the surgical ward and ICU of the said hospital.

DRUNK DRIVER

Investigators of Jaro Police Station now know that the driver of the jeepney, identified as Arman Villanueva, 51, was intoxicated when the incident happened.

Robert, 44, witnessed the event. He recalls, “The jeepney was moving very fast, probably because the driver was drunk. He tried to avoid the truck but it was too late. The jeepney was still running after the collision, the driver put it on neutral and walked away."

SIX CHILDREN HURT

Six minors were involved: Jake Juaquin Gregorios, 3; Mary Grace Reluban, 4; Stefany Reluban, 9; John Lester Gregorios, 10; Orlenio Jagorin, 15 and Rakim Mangondato, 16.

The other passengers injured are Gina Reluban, 27; Niño Reluban, 23; Jackelyn Reluban, 23; Lovely Jagurin, 23; Greg Gregorios, 40; Christina Salomon, 20 and driver Arman Villanueva, 51 years old.

Initial police investigation reveals the family came from an excursion in Indayan Beach in Oton, Iloilo to celebrate Melanie’s 36th birthday and were heading home when their vehicle collided with a truck parked along Brgy. Bitoon in Jaro.

Due to the impact of the collision, the truck moved forward and hit a parked pick-up truck.

STRONG IMPACT

Robert said the children sitting at the back were scattered on the road due to the strong impact on the jeepney.

The people of Brgy. Bito-on helped load the injured to available vehicles for transport to hospital, including a Multicab used for campaigning by a councilor candidate.

The front seat of the jeepney hit the back of the truck, ripping apart the roof, Robert said.

The witness also saw that Melanie, her husband and a child sat in the front seat with the driver.

The driver is now in the custody of the Jaro Police and may be charged of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and physical injuries. /LLutero