Trahedya sa Ilocos Sur: Tatlo patay sa salpukan ng bus at tricycle

– A tricycle driver and his two female passengers died after their vehicle was struck by a passenger bus

– This happened along the national highway in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, on Thursday, May 22

– Footage from CCTV revealed the tricycle unexpectedly executed a U-turn from the highway shoulder, directly into the path of the oncoming bus

– The two female passengers, identified as Michelle and Grace of Vigan City, died on the spot, while the tricycle driver, 65-year-old Claro Tapaya Sr., succumbed to his injuries in the hospital

A tragic road accident in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur, claimed the lives of three individuals, including a tricycle driver and his two female passengers, after their vehicle was struck by a passenger bus.

The collision, which occurred on the national highway, has highlighted critical road safety concerns in the region.

The fatal incident took place before dawn on Thursday, May 22, in Barangay San Pablo, Sto. Domingo, along a section of the national highway.

According to reports from GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon and the Daily Tribune, surveillance camera footage captured the moments leading up to the crash.

The video showed the tricycle initially positioned on the shoulder lane of the highway.

After a truck passed by, the tricycle reportedly executed a sudden U-turn, crossing into the path of an oncoming passenger bus traveling in the opposite lane.

The bus subsequently collided with the side of the tricycle, which was carrying two female passengers.

The impact was severe, causing significant damage to the tricycle.

Both female passengers sustained critical injuries and were immediately rushed to Magsingal District Hospital.

However, they were tragically declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The Daily Tribune identified the two female victims as Michelle of Pagburnayan, Vigan City, and Grace of Bongtolan, also in Vigan.

The driver of the tricycle, identified as Claro Tapaya Sr., 65, a resident of Barangay Paras, Sto. Domingo, also suffered severe injuries in the collision.

He was also transported to the hospital for medical treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while undergoing care, bringing the total number of fatalities to three.

The bus driver and its passengers reportedly escaped the incident unharmed, although both vehicles sustained damages.

Authorities from the Sto. Domingo Police Station are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Police Captain Rodel Ragasa, the officer-in-charge of the Sto. Domingo Police Station, noted that preliminary discussions have already taken place between the families of the victims and the bus company involved in the accident.

Captain Ragasa also issued a stern reminder to all motorists, particularly those traversing highways during the late hours or early morning.

He emphasized the importance of practicing basic road safety precautions, urging drivers to always check both left and right before attempting to cross or make turns on a highway.

“Paalala lang po sa mga motorista natin na tuwing magko-cross sila sa highway, kailangan mag-back-to-basic po tayo. Look at your left and right, kapag clear po ‘yung kalsada natin saka lang po tayo tatawid. Para maiwasan ‘yung ganitong pangyayari, lalo na kapag dis-oras na ng gabi,” he advised.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

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