Pampanga road mishap kills soldier

Sunday, January 22, 2012

MAGALANG -- A soldier was killed while another is in critical condition when the truck transporting them for security operations was sideswiped by a passenger bus at Barangay Dolores around 1 a.m. Sunday.

Major Enrico Gil Ileto, 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Public Affairs Office chief, said the names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of their kin.

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No casualties were reported on the part of the passenger bus.

Ileto said the M35 truck (6x6 truck) was carrying one platoon of the 7ID along the Magalang-Concepcion Road when it was sideswiped on the left side by a bus with a franchise under Sagrada Express Bus.

"According to the troops on the M35 truck, the bus hit them after the bus overtook another bus. Before the impact, the truck driver, sensing the danger from the two buses which were apparently trying to get ahead of one another, reduced speed to give way but was still hit on the left side," Ileto said.

One soldier was declared dead upon arrival at the Immaculate Concepcion Polyclinic Hospital.

Ileto said available military personnel from the nearby units where immediately sent to donate blood for the injured soldier.

Ileto said the driver of the bus is now detained at the Magalang Police Station for inquest on reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries and damage to property.

Major General Jose Mabanta, commander of the 7ID, said the best medical care will be given to the injured personnel.

"Our condolences go with the family of our fallen comrade. I have given instructions to concerned units to facilitate the needs of the bereaved family left behind by our soldier," Mabanta said.