A truck driver involved in a deadly road crash in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City, has apologized to the victims’ families as authorities confirmed the death toll has risen to three.
Teodie Punay Ycot, 36, who is currently detained at Police Station 4, said the incident on April 11 was unintentional and blamed on brake failure.
“Bisan unsaon nakog pugong nga di muatras, atras gyud siya kay nibuto naman ang foot brake,” Ycot said, explaining that he lost control of the 10-wheeler truck he was driving.
The truck, loaded with solar panels, was reportedly heading to a garage at around 10:40 p.m. when it encountered a dump truck making a sharp turn along B. Suico Street. Ycot said he applied the brakes, but the vehicle moved backward on an uphill road after the brakes allegedly malfunctioned, hitting motorcycles behind him.
He said he tried to minimize harm by steering the truck into a wall.
“Mangayo lang gyud ko og pasaylo sa nahitabo nga ingon ato kay wa man gyud to nako matuyo,” he added.
Police said the crash involved two motorcycles that were pinned under the truck after impact.
According to the Mandaue City Police Office, three people were killed in the incident: Adeline Mediana, 34, of Barangay Tingub; Marilyn Cuambot, 37, of Barangay Canduman; and Marvin Ocampo Dayuha, 38, Mediana’s live-in partner, who later died after being hospitalized.
Another rider, Larry Juan Bahita, 30, survived after jumping off his motorcycle before being crushed.
Investigators said the truck was executing a right turn toward M. Ceniza Street when the brakes failed, causing it to roll backward and strike the victims. The impact also caused damage to a residential gate owned by a local resident, though no one inside the house was hurt.
Ycot was immediately arrested and tested for alcohol use but yielded negative results.
Authorities have filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property against the driver.
Police also reminded motorists, especially motorcycle riders, to maintain a safe distance from large vehicles and observe proper road spacing to prevent similar incidents. (VCL)
Image by VCL
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