By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A tricycle driver and his 16-year-old neighbor died after they figured in a collision with a wing van truck at the national highway of Barangay Poblacion, Valladolid, Negros Occidental early Thursday.

Killed were Ivan Batadlan, 39; and Raymund Rosales, 16, both residents of Barangay Calubay, Bago City.

Police Captain Joseth Catonina, town police chief, said the tricycle driven by Batadlan was on its way to Bacolod to deliver fish from Barangay Tabao in the town, when it allegedly collided with a wing van truck which was traveling on the opposite direction.

The tricycle turned turtle and its side wheel got detached when it hit the truck, he added.

Catonina said Batadlan allegedly encroached on the lane of the truck driven by July Sabete, 27, of Barangay Alimango, Escalante City.

The truck was loaded with some materials to be delivered to a solar power plant in La Carlota City when the accident happened.

Sabete was with a helper but they were both unharmed. However, the two victims on board the tricycle were declared dead at a hospital due to head injuries.

Both vehicles were reportedly speeding. Batadlan was reportedly drunk when it happened, although investigators have yet to confirm it, Catonina said.

Meanwhile, Catonina said the victims’ families agreed to an amicable settlement with the truck driver, who will be released from police custody after the lapse of the 36-hour reglementary detention period.