2 die, 16 hurt in Baguio, Candon road mishaps

By Freddie G. Lazaro

Two people were killed and 16 others injured in two separate road accidents involving a total of 18 vehicles in the northern cities of Baguio and Candon last week.

In Baguio City, police said a six-wheeler truck loaded with gas tanks and driven by local resident Jose Sacla Paguli, 30, seemed to have lost its brakes when it rammed through 14 vehicles along a road in Barangay Poliwes night of Dec. 20.

While no one was killed in the accident, 16 people were injured.

Police identified them as Mary-anneLeganio Sacla, 30; Mary Grace Lopez Dulay, 38; Hanna Aguinaldo Aparri, 41; Lheanne Tikangan Bayo, 9; Wynn Melody Sumalbag Aguinaldo, 36; Jessica BayoCayat, 21; Nash Nathaniel Estupido Daluyen, 6; Eden Docyogen Molintas, 37; Soledad BulganColpita, 52; Lorgie Daluyen, 8; Linda Maranes; Marites Villareal Esmabe, 42; Riza Musico, 37; Terisita Mariñas Arabis and Carla Dante.

Paguli appeared to have sustained the most serious injuries when his legs got trapped in the twisted iron of the truck he was driving. Police said his feet may be amputated.

Supt. EvelioDegay, chief of city police traffic management unit, said Paguli might have lost control of the wheel.

Among those hit by the truck were several cars, a taxicab, a passenger jeepney and a mini dump truck, Degay said.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and multiple physical injuries are being readied against Paguli.

Meanwhile, two people were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay Balingaoan, Candon City, also on Dec. 20.

Supt. Richmond Tadina, city police chief, said the tricycle driver, Rogelio Agrisola, was reported to be driving in and out of his lane around 1 p.m., when it sideswiped an oncoming vehicle and then run smack onto the bus, driven by Leo Mariano, 34.

The collision resulted in the instant death of Agrisola and his passenger, Christopher Garcia.