Biker dies after ramming into moving trailer on coastal road

A sexagenarian on a bicycle died after he was hit by a speeding trailer truck at the Cebu South Coastal Road-San Isidro intersection, Talisay City yesterday morning.

SPO4 Henry Obiso, Talisay City traffic police chief, identified the victim as Arturo Lucero Agero, 67, of Corazon Village, Barangay San Isidro.

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He was rushed to the Talisay District Hospital but was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City where he was declared dead on arrival.

Obiso said Teodoro Pangan, 59, driver of the Nissan trailer truck with plate number GVN 516, claimed they were already approaching the intersection when suddenly Agero crossed the highway on board his bicycle past 9 p.m.

It was reportedly too late for the driver to notice the victim, who came from Barangay Tabunok, as the truck was speeding on the highway.

The truck was carrying carageenan to be delivered to Sibonga town, he said.

Obiso said the impact dragged Agero to the center island, injuring his legs and ruining his bike.

Traffic authorities temporarily held Pangan in their custody pending the filing of a criminal case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

The death of Agero came a day after two persons were killed when a Pajero traveling on UN Ave., Mandaue City rammed a tree.

Traffic investigators noted the area does not have a speed limit sign to guide motorists.

Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) Head Edwin Ermac said though the two roads are managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways, the City will put up the road signs.

The investigation revealed the Pajero was traveling at 90 to 110 kilometers per hour (kph), more than double the 40 kph allowed within city limits.

The Pajero then hit the advertisement board at the center island, killing driver Emerenciano Babao.

The Pajero climbed the sidewalk. Babao’s worker Rolly was thrown off, exiting through the canvas roof.

The Pajero then slammed into a tree and a fence, injuring vehicle owner Agapito Amores Amora Jr., 56, who was at the back seat, and Michael Ibarzabal, 30, who was at the passenger’s seat.

PO2 Journey Fuentes, the investigator, said Babao’s wife Maria Teresa said she hid her husband’s motorcycle keys as he was drunk.

But the four left on board the Pajero when she went out to fetch her child.

Fuentes said they requested the City last March to put up a speed limit sign on UN Ave. and Ouano Ave.