By JEN BAYLON

A 22-year-old conductor of a modernized jeep died after he accidentally fell off the vehicle while it was in motion along Burgos Street in Bacolod City’s Barangay Villamonte on Tuesday night, March 4.

According to Police Lt. Colonel Ramel Sarona, head of the Bacolod City Police Office’s Traffic Management Unit, initial investigations suggested that while Reynan Bantilan was collecting fares, a passenger allegedly pushed him, causing the driver to open the door.

Bantilan, who was standing near the door, lost his balance and fell off the modernized jeep, hitting his head on the pavement.

The victim was rushed to the hospital.

However, Bantilan succumbed to his injuries due to internal bleeding and a skull fracture yesterday, as confirmed by his sister, Rose.

Meanwhile, the driver, identified as 40-year-old alias “Isko” from Negros Occidental’s Talisay City, was temporarily detained.

He was released after the 12-hour reglementary period expired.

An investigation is ongoing./JB, WDJ