5 kids die in Negros road mishap

Five teenagers died when the tricycle they were riding smashed into a cargo truck in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, shortly before midnight Thursday.

Police identified the fatalities as Roldan Inoza 17, tricycle driver;  Eduardo Ventura Jr., 16; Relyn Hornadal, 11, Reggie Boy Luto, 15, and Mark Anthony Pasinobo, 13.

“Tatlo sa kanila ang dead on the spot, dalawa ang dead on arrival sa ospital, dun lahat sa top-down tricycle lahat,” city police chief Supt. Alexander Munoz told Bandera in a phone interview.

The incident occurred around 11:55 p.m. while the five, along with another companion, were riding a tricycle along the National Highway in Brgy. 13.

“Itong top-down, mabilis ang takbo niya, bumunggo sa tricycle na nasa unahan tapos kinuha niya ‘yung kasalubong na lane n’ung truck, na sumalpok naman sa sidecar niya,” Munoz said.

The victims were on their way home to the city proper, after reportedly watching a race at the Victorias Coliseum, according to the police official.

Police have taken into custody the truck’s driver, identified as Jomarie Aldas.

“Kung titingnan sa linya ng kalsada, may kasalanan ‘yung tricycle pero binunggo siya nung truck, liable pa rin yung truck kasi ito ang hitting vehicle,” Munoz said, adding that the truck’s owner has promised to extend assistance to the victims’ familie – John Roson