Two killed in road accidents

An elderly man, who was riding a bike died after he was hit by a Ceres Liner bus at Bangga Carmela, Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Silay City Police Station)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An elderly man and a motorcycle rider were killed in separate road accidents in Negros Occidental last Sunday.

In Silay City, Ricardo Divinagracia, 70, of Barangay Guinhalaran died after he was reportedly hit by a Ceres Liner bus at Bangga Carmela in the said village.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, city police chief, said Divinagracia was riding a bike on his way home while the bus was tailing him from a distance.

However, the victim allegedly suddenly turned left, causing the bus to hit him.

Petate said the victim suffered head injuries and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

Petate said the victim’s family is willing to pursue charges against the 39-year-old bus driver, who is now in police custody after he surrendered.

Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) media officer Jade Seballos said they will review the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera footage installed on the bus to determine what really happened.

But she assured that the bus firm will extend financial assistance to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, in La Carlota City, Jonathan Trafanco, 19, of Barangay San Miguel also died after he allegedly lost control over his driven motorcycle and fell on the pavement in the said village.

He suffered head injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.