| One killed, 5 injured as Army truck |
| Written by Eldie S. Aguirre | |
| Tuesday, 14 October 2008 | |
|
One was killed, while five others were brought to a local hospital here after a Hercules six by six Army truck collided with an Isuzu Elf Cargo truck along the national highway in Barangay Cogon on Monday afternoon.
Senior Police Officer 2 Jose Timbal, Digos City traffic investigator identified the fatality as Efren Orbita, the driver of the Isuzu Elf truck and a resident of Upper Limonso , Padada, Davao del Sur.
Orbita was rushed to Davao Medical Center (DMC) in Davao City due to his critical condition but died few hours later.
Joseph Virtuoso y Villarosa, 23, a resident of Harada Butai, Padada, Davao del Sur who was seated at the passenger side of the Isuzu Elf truck was also wounded.
Timbal identified the driver of the Army truck as Sergeant Arlindo Estoce Manquito, 35, of the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 1001st Division based in Panacan, Davao City . He was also brought to DMC as he also sustained severe injuries during the collision.
The scout rangers who were also rushed to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital are Rodrick Arellano, 29; Julito Bautista, 23; and Jason Echipare, 26.
Doctors released the army personnel after treatment of their slight injuries, Timbal said.
The traffic investigator said the Army truck was heading to Davao City from Sarangani Province . Upon reaching a curve the driver loss control of the vehicle and slammed into the Isuzu Elf cargo truck traveling in the opposite lane.
Timbal said “mechanical defect” and slippery road brought by heavy rains have triggered the incident.
The traffic enforcer said the driver of the Army truck would be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, serious injuries and damage to property if the Army would not amicably settle the problem. |