Heavy rains trigger road accidents in MisOr town

Cagayan de Oro City — Two pedestrians—an elderly man crossing the highway, and a driver installing a canvas on his mini truck—were killed during heavy rains along the national highway in Laguindingan town on Saturday evening.

The first victim was identified as Chito Maagad, 64, a resident of Aloran, Misamis Occidental. The second victim was identified only as Mark, 44, from Iligan City.

Investigations showed that Maagad was crossing the highway when a white Toyota, speeding toward Iligan City, hit him. The impact threw the victim back into the opposite lane, where another vehicle, a Toyota Vios, struck and dragged him, hitting him on the front wheel.

The driver of the first vehicle escaped toward Iligan City and is now the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim had just gotten off a bus from Ozamis to visit his daughter in Barangay Kauswagan when the accident occurred.

The driver of the second vehicle was arrested and is now in police custody.

The second accident took place along the highway near the Laguindingan International Airport when Mark and a female companion stopped on the roadside to install a canvas at the back of their Isuzu Elf mini truck.

While standing on the left side of their vehicle, a speeding pickup truck skidded in their direction and slammed into the side of the mini truck, pinning the two victims. Mark was killed on the spot, while his companion was rushed to a nearby hospital.