By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two people died in a three-vehicle collision early on Feb. 3 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
The fatalities were identified as Jeric Huyo, 29, of Barangay Ito Sur, Cabatuan, Iloilo, and Jomar Senerado, 39, of Barangay Nadsadan, San Joaquin, Iloilo.
The crash, which occurred around 5:34 a.m. on Monday, involved a passenger bus, a taxi, and a passenger jeepney in Barangay Bolong Este, Sta. Barbara.
Huyo, a security guard at a bank in Iloilo City, was riding on the back of the jeepney when the crash happened.
Senerado was driving the taxi at the time of the incident.
According to reports, a Calinog Bus Line (license plate DAR 8127) driven by Agusto Latoza, 53, of Barangay Tranghawan, Lambunao, Iloilo, was making a U-turn at a designated slot when a Jhelord Taxi driven by Senerado rear-ended the bus.
The impact caused the bus to hit a Janiuay-bound jeepney traveling in the opposite lane.
Huyo was thrown from the jeepney, while the taxi sustained severe damage on the passenger side.
A CCTV footage showed that Senerado was speeding at the time of the collision.
Both Huyo and Senerado were rushed to Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Sta. Barbara but did not survive.
The crash also injured jeepney passengers Quencie Belgira, 19, of Barangay Gaub, Cabatuan, and Alma Martinez.
Meanwhile, Captain Raphy Señeres, Sta. Barbara police chief, said all parties involved agreed to assist the victims.
The taxi company pledged to support Senerado’s family.
The Calinog Bus Line management and the jeepney operator committed to helping the injured passengers and Huyo’s family.
