The number of fatalities in the tragic accident that occurred during the Holy Friday procession in Barangay Alangilan has now risen to three, the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and Shrine – Alangilan confirmed.
The parish confirmed the third fatality as Daynah Plohinog, a student and a resident of La Carlota City. Plohinog died while being treated at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital.
Killed on the spot was Jonel Solano, a lay minister. The second fatality was identified as Gilven Tanique, a barangay tanod.
Aside from the fatalities, 16 others were injured and are now treated in different hospitals in Bacolod.
The incident which took place in Barangay Alangilan at around 7:30 PM involved a red Toyota Innova driven by an Indian national.
According to Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Director of the Bacolod City Police Office, the victims who were part of the procession were on its way back to the church when a private vehicle suddenly collided with a tricycle that is also part of the procession.
The driver of the private vehicle identified as Jagpret Singh reportedly lost control due to speeding, causing it to also hit a police patrol car that led the procession and several devotees participating in the solem procession as it swerved into the opposite lane.
In an interview, Singh alleged that the tricyle overtook the devotees and cross its lane causing the accident. His vehicle then swerved and hit the cars on the opposite side, including a police mobile that convoyed the procession.
Singh together with his companion were intercepted by the police and were held at Police Ststion 5.
