By CESAR JOLITO III

The local government of San Carlos City is set to file criminal cases against the owner and driver of a refrigerated van involved in a fatal road accident that left one person dead and several others injured on April 10.

City officials confirmed that the move follows a review of the incident, which resulted in the death of a City Health Office (CHO) employee and injuries to more than 10 individuals.

San Carlos Mayor Renato Gustilo has ordered authorities to determine the registered owner of the van through the Land Transportation Office, noting that the responsible party has yet to coordinate with the city government.

The locality, in coordination with barangay officials, is preparing to file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries against those involved.

Meanwhile, officials said the vehicle owner may also face administrative sanctions if the van is found to be unroadworthy or if negligence in supervising the driver is established.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the case as legal proceedings are finalized, while discussions on assistance and possible settlement for the victims’ families are expected in the coming days.

Based on the investigation, the refrigerated van reportedly suffered brake failure while navigating a curve in Barangay Rizal’s Sitio Punod.

The vehicle lost control, veered into the opposite lane, and collided head-on with a truck owned by Barangay Quezon.

The truck was carrying CHO personnel at the time of the crash.

Authorities identified the fatality as Perfecto “Fecto” Magbanua, a regular CHO employee.

Among the injured was Dr. Minerva Alcarde, along with several other city health workers./CJ, WDJ