By CESAR JOLITO III

A woman died while four others, including a tricycle driver, were injured in a road accident at Purok Busay in Bacolod City’s Barangay Cabug early yesterday morning, October 22.

The fatality was identified as Arasili Musni, the wife of tricycle driver Freddie Musni, who also sustained injuries, along with passengers Joel Castro, Josephine Mendoza and Candelaria Heponia.

According to Police Major Elmer Bonilla, head of the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Bacolod City Police Office, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. when an eight-seater van, driven by 38-year-old Erwin Tajonera from Binalbagan town, reportedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the oncoming tricycle.

Initial investigation revealed that Tajonera was not familiar with the route.

Instead of turning toward Alijis to reach his sister-in-law’s house near the airport, he mistakenly drove straight toward Handumanan.

Authorities believe the driver’s unfamiliarity with the road and possible speeding contributed to the collision.

All injured victims remain confined in a hospital.

Tajonera is currently detained at Police Station 9’s custodial facility pending further investigation./CJ, WDJ