4 vehicles in smash-up; baby dies, 2 women hurt

KIBUNGAN, Benguet – A 77-year-old man lost control of his Mitsubishi Pajero making it hit a man, then smashed a parked vehicle which set off a chain reaction until four vehicles were  damaged, an unborn baby was killed, while two women were hurt.

A police report said the incident happened Oct. 27 around 5:45 p.m. along the national road in front of the municipal grounds here at Poblacion.

Investigation disclosed the Pajero with license plate number BDT 778 driven by William Gaspar Payangdo, farmer, here of Nalicob, Madaymen came from the municipal grounds, suddenly lost control and accelerated towards the gate and hit a certain Bag-en Bulangen.

It continued accelerating until it bumped a vehicle with license plate number RDM 508 registered to Rey Lucinio Carlos De Leon who was with two females identified as Mary Roselle Gamueda, who was pregnant and Desiree Paulino.

As a result, the first vehicle that was hit moved and hit another vehicle with license plate number RBN 853 driven by Romulo Calis Nabe, 41 of Sagpat, Kibungan.

The latter vehicle hit another vehicle with license plate number XHR 107 driven by Dumlao Calixto Cam-oyao, 41 of Sagpat. All three vehicles were parked along the road. 

Payangdo claimed that after maneuvering in reverse, he shifted to first gear and suddenly the vehicle accelerated out of control. Paulino was rushed to Baguio General Hospital, Baguio City while Gamueda and Bulangen were rushed to the Benguet General Hospital of the capital town of La Trinidad.

The baby of the pregnant woman died with the latter subjected to operation. The mother is no now stable condition. Paulino suffered multiple wounds and a fractured right leg while Bulangen suffered fracture at his right foot but were reported in stable condition.  Payangdo was brought to Kibungan police station where a case was readied for filing against him.