BACOLOD City – A four-year-old boy died after he was struck by a passenger bus while attempting to cross the national highway in Sitio Sta. Ana Reles, Barangay Mabini, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, at around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.
According to the Escalante City Police Station, the bus was driven by a married man identified only by his alias, “Arnold,” a resident of Barangay Lemery, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Initial investigation showed that the bus was traveling along the national highway when it accidentally hit the child as he attempted to cross the road.
The victim sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Dr. Gustilo Hospital in Manapla but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The bus driver also sustained injuries during the incident and was brought to Saint Anne Hospital in Cadiz City for medical treatment.
Police said the driver is now under their custody as investigators continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
The Escalante City Police Station reminded motorists to exercise extra caution, particularly when passing through residential communities where children and pedestrians are frequently present, to help prevent similar tragedies./PN
