A family was caught by surprised when a 10-wheeler truck loaded with sugarcane rammed through their house at Barangay Antipolo in Pontevedra town, Negros Occidental past 1 a.m. Friday, January 14.
The accident claimed the lives of Ermie Cordero, 58, and her son JR, 30, and caused minor injuries to her daughter Leona, 12, Pontevedra Municipal Police Station deputy chief Lieutenant Rowell Peniero said.
Peniero said JR died on the spot while his mother Ermie died while being treated hours after she was brought at a hospital.
He said the Corderos failed to save themselves as they were sleeping when the accident happened.
Truck driver Henry Salgado, 46, of Barangay Bi-ao in Binalbagan town, and his eight-year-old son, were also injured and were brought to a hospital in La Carlota City, Peniero also said.
The police officials said, however, that the driver needed to be transferred to a hospital in Bacolod City as his injuries were severe.
Investigation showed that the truck was heading west of the provincial road and hit the railings upon reaching the area between Puroks Santan and Amorabita before ramming into the house of the Corderos.
The truck also fell and the about 40 tons of sugarcane it carries also spilled over the house made of mix materials.
The victims needed to be retrieved from the rubble of their collapsed house, Peniero said, adding that Salgado might have lost control over his vehicle since the road was descending.
Salgado may be facing reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide with damage to properties.
Investigating is ongoing.*