Driver blames brake failure for the incident

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least one person is confirmed dead, while three others were reported injured, after a tanker slammed into a truck, tricycle, and motorcycle yesterday afternoon at Bangga Metal in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City.

As of press time, police have yet to release the names of the injured, but identified the fatality as 34-year-old Gary Tabafa, a resident of Barangay Cabug in the said city.

According to eyewitness accounts, the three vehicles were stopped at a traffic light when the tanker, driven by Francisco Bantad Jr., slammed into the tricycle and motorcycle, resulting in the two being sandwiched between the tanker and the truck.

Bystanders rescued the victims by pulling them from the wreckage; however, Tabafa was killed on impact, with his remains unrecognizable.

The injured were rushed to the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment.

In an interview following the accident, Bantad claimed he stepped on his brakes to stop at the red light but they failed.

The tanker driver pointed out, out of fear he may be mauled by angry bystanders, he locked himself inside his vehicle and waited for police to arrive.

Bantad issued an apology, adding, the owner of the tanker is willing to cover hospitalization costs for the injured, along with Tabafa’s burial expenses.

The victims are currently still undecided on whether to press charges against Bantad, who is now detained at PS7./DGB, WDJ