Tragic end for motorcycle rider; companion injured

An evening ride turned fatal for a motorcyclist and injurious for his cousin in a crash in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Police Station 5)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A tragic accident claimed the life of a young motorcycle rider and left his companion injured last Sunday in Barangay Alangilan.

The deceased, identified as 20-year-old John Mel Tibo-oc from the local area, succumbed to his injuries after the motorcycle he was on veered into a gutter. His friend, 21-year-old Jan Frederick Sumadia from Murcia, Negros Occidental, was wounded in the incident.

Police Captain Portia Nillosan, commander of Police Station 5, reported that the accident occurred as the victims were allegedly speeding on their way home and encountered a sharp curve on the road. The driver, Sumadia, lost control which led to the tragic mishap.

“Both victims were reportedly returning from a fiesta and were believed to be under the influence of alcohol. Neither of them were wearing helmets at the time of the accident,” Nillosan disclosed.

Tibo-oc was rushed to a private hospital where he was declared dead a few hours later, while Sumadia has been reported to be in stable condition.