1 dead, 6 critical, and 40

others hurt on trike and bus

mishap in La Union
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Published September 30, 2018, 8:29 PM

By Erwin Beleo

BAUANG, La Union – One of the seven passengers including driver of a tricycle was
declared dead-on-arrival, while others are critical injured and being treat at the Ilocos
Training Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City after it was hit to a passenger
bus which it was turtled down sideward into rice field Saturday night (Sept. 29, 2018)
in Barangay Santiago here at about 7:30 pm.
TRIKE AND BUS COLLIDE – A tricycle and bus collide along the national highway in
Barangay Santiago, Bauang, La Union Sunday (Sept. 30, 2018). (Photo by Erwin Beleo /
MANILA BULLETIN)

Chief Inspector Silverio Ordinado, Jr., La Union police information officer, identified
driver from public utility bus (PUB) as Michael R. Gatchalian, 40, resident of Biday, San
Fabian, Pangasinan. The bus plate number AWB 509 which was registered to Elpidio
Munio of Barangay Maria Christina East, Bangar, La Union.

The tricycle driver identified as Ronnie S. Villaluz, 41, married and a resident of Brgy.
Pugo, Bauang, La Union, tricycle bearing conduction sticker number 0136067 with body
number 0582.

According to PO1 Dennis B. Keliag, duty investigator report that the PUB was moving
towards south direction when it lost control due to mechanical failure and swerved
towards the opposite direction and bumped to incoming motorcycle towards opposite
direction.

The bus was fell sideward on the right outer lane until it slides reaches to the rice fields.

Six onboard to the tricycle identified are Geraldine D. Villaluz Ducusin, 11, Gabriel D.
Villaluz, 9, Greg D. Villaluz, 14, Renelyn E. Ducusin, 12, and Leonora E. Ducusin, legal
age, sustained minor to serious physical injuries, however, Jennalyn D. Villaluz, 35,
married, who was declared dead-on-arrival according to attending physician at around
11:20 p.m. All residents of Barangay Pugo, Bauang, La Union.

Ten of the 40 bus passengers were identified as Efrael R. Espiritu, 52, Joselyn C.
Espiritu, 53, both residents of Brgy 35 Biloca, Batac City Ilocos Norte; Roselle Y.
Mamuad, 38, Carlitos Dion Y. Mamuad, 11, both residents of Brgy. 6 San Nicolas, Ilocos
Norte; Felisidad P. Gapuz, 56, Dominador C. Pineda, 51, both residents of Brgy.
Urayong , Bauang, La Union; Roxan C. Alvez, 26, Leah C. Alvez, 3, both residents of
Brgy. Las-ud Caba, La Union; and Evelyn R. Las Penas, 27, Michael M. Las Penas, 29,
both residents of Aringay, La Union. All were reported under observation and treatment
at ITRMC.

Police here are conducting further manhunt operation to Gatchalian the bus driver who
managed to escape during the incident. He was being filed for reckless imprudence
resulting in homicide, multiple serious physical injuries and damaged to property.

Both vehicles incurred heavy damages and undetermined cost of repair.