ILOILO – A motorcycle and a pickup truck collided head-on in Barangay Pulo Maestra Vita, Oton town on Sunday night, April 27, killing the former’s driver and injuring his backrider.
Police said the motorcycle driven by alias “Boyboy”, 36, and a resident of Tigbauan town, crossed into the opposite lane in front of a shopping mall at around 11:15 p.m. and slammed into an oncoming pickup truck driven by alias “Nel”.
Boyboy, who was not wearing a helmet, was rushed to Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician due to severe head injuries and multiple body fractures.
His backrider, alias “Toto,” 37, from Barangay Buntatala, Jaro district, survived with minor injuries and was recuperating at the same hospital.
Police Captain Lunelyn Talamillo, deputy chief of the Oton Municipal Police Station, confirmed that responding police officers noted the strong smell of alcohol from both motorcycle riders.
“Our initial investigation suggests that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the accident,” Talamillo said. “This once again highlights the deadly risks of driving under the influence of alcohol.”
Police said the motorcycle was from Iloilo City while the pickup truck was traveling from Pavia town towards Arevalo district in the city.
The driver of the pickup truck, who was unharmed, was not detained. Oton police said they were coordinating with the families of those involved to determine the next steps.
Talamillo added that the incident serves as another grim reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, especially amid recent warnings about increased road accidents linked to alcohol consumption.
He urged motorists to act responsibly, wear protective gear, and never drive under the influence of alcohol to prevent further loss of lives on the road./PN
