A tragic accident on the national highway in Barangay San Nicolas, Candon City, resulted in one fatality involving a Honda Click motorcycle, a tricycle, and a Partas bus.
The motorcycle was driven by 30-year-old Richmond Torio Madarang, a resident of Dagupan City, with 28-year-old John Ponce Escranda as the backrider, who currently lives in Candon City.
The Partas bus was driven by 40-year-old Jeppy Agustin Argallan from San Manuel, Isabela, while the tricycle was operated by 39-year-old Richard Abaya Mallari, along with 20-year-old backrider Lim Jeddie Canno, both from Galimuyod.
According to Police Captain Sanshine Lozano of the Candon City Police Station, the motorcycle and tricycle were traveling in the same direction when they collided with the Partas bus heading the opposite way.
The motorcycle reportedly collided with the tricycle as it attempted to overtake.
Madarang was rushed to Candon City Hospital but succumbed to his injuries, while Escranda remains under observation.
Both the motorcycle driver and backrider sustained injuries and were transferred to Ilocos Sur Medical Center for treatment. The bus driver and passengers were unharmed.
CCTV footage suggested that the motorcycle may have caused the accident, with both Madarang and Escranda admitting to having consumed alcohol before the incident.
Initial settlements were made between the families of the tricycle driver and the motorcycle operator, while the bus driver awaits legal guidance.