MABINI, Pangasinan -- Three persons died on the spot when three dump trucks and one motorized tricycle collided along the National Highway of Barangay Tagudin here around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday (January 22).
A report of Police Senior Inspector Elpidio Cruz disclosed that the three dump trucks were running closely to one another were traversing the highway at a fast clip when one of these bumped a tricycle carrying eight passengers and heading to the same direction.
This caused the two other two dump trucks to bump each other.
Initial investigation disclosed that the dump trucks were on their way to a quarry site in Barangay De Guzman, Mabini while the tricycle was on its way to Sitio Balasibas, Barangay Tagudin.
Cruz said that the three trucks owned by Christian Ian Construction Corporation (CICC) from Barangay Soledad, Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija were driven respectively by Jerome Mosne, 25, of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; John Michael Hessim, 24, of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija; and Jon Melvin Balingit, 21, of Calaanan, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
The tricycle locally known as "garong" was driven by Ric Erum, 40, of Barangay Tagudin, Mabini.
As result of the accident, three passengers of the tricycle - Eunice Velasco, 37; Liezel Tawatao, 43; and Mary Ann Ballares were declared dead on arrival at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital, Alaminos City.
Five other passengers are still undergoing treatment for serious physical injuries at the Region I Medical Center. They are: William Velonza, 34; Sergio Velonza, 5; Sergio Velonza Sr., 44; Merla Velonza, 37; and Tagudin Mabini.
The dump truck drivers were brought to the Mabini Police Station for further investigation. (PNA)