The Toyota Innova driven by the Indian national.* Romeo Subaldo photo
A lay minister and a barangay tanod were killed while nine others were injured when a Toyota Innova driven by an Indian national hit a tricycle, which on impact hit a police vehicle and participants of a Catholic Church procession in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, at about 7:20 p.m. on Good Friday.
PCol. Joeresty Coronica, Bacolod police director, confirmed that there were two casualties, one of whom died on the spot. The nine injured were brought to various hospitals, he said.
The Toyota Innova driven by an Indian national identified as Jagpreet Singh, 37, hit the tricycle carrying a procession participant who needed medical help, Maj. Mark Joel Reclamado, Bacolod police Station 5 chief, said.
The Innova that was travelling fast caused the tricycle to fly on impact, land in front of the police patrol vehicle and hit some of the procession participants, Reclamado said.
A lay minister and a barangay tanod on board the tricycle died, he said
A witness said if the patrol car was not in the area, more people would have been hit.
The driver of the Innova was in police custody Friday night and was accompanied by 4 Indian nationals who were also in the vehicle.
Reclamado said the driver would undergo a liquor test. One of the Innova passengers denied that the driver was under the influence of liquor.
One elderly weeping woman clutching on to a pair of male shoes said her son and grandchild were rushed to a hospital.
Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon told DIGICAST NEGROS it was a very tragic and sad incident that happened on Good Friday.
Those injured are in different hospitals and the Church is ensuring that they are getting help, he said.
“We offer our condolences and help to the families, the bishop” said.
“We commend the souls of the departed to the mercy of God. For those who are affected, we continue to pray for them and offer our help,” Buzon said.*