A Good Friday procession turned tragic after a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) crashed into a tricycle and slammed into a group of devotees along a highway in Barangay Alangilan, killing three people and injuring 16 others.
Police identified the fatalities as lay minister Jonel Solano, who was driving the tricycle; barangay tanod Gilven Tanique; and Dynah Plohinog. Prior to the crash, Plohinog reportedly fainted during the procession, prompting Tanique to carry her and bring her aboard the tricycle.
According to Bacolod City Police chief Col. Joeresty Coronica, the tricycle was heading back to the front of the procession when it was struck by a speeding Toyota Innova driven by Jagpreet Singh, an Indian national. The impact threw the tricycle onto a police patrol vehicle, which then hit people leading the procession.
Coronica confirmed that Singh tested positive for alcohol, although the driver denied drinking, claiming he had only taken pain relievers. He also insisted that the tricycle veered into his lane, causing the collision. Singh fled the scene, allegedly out of fear due to the large crowd.
Of the 16 injured, 13 remain hospitalized while three have been discharged, according to the police.
Singh will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.
