Grieving son endures further tragedy as truck incident claims wife

A tragic accident in Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City claimed the life of a 68-year-old retired teacher, leaving her grieving husband devastated as he was already mourning the death of his mother.

The victim, identified only as “Loting,” was struck by a 10-wheeler truck while crossing Gen. T. De Leon Street. Her husband, Alberto, 68, was in Leyte for his mother’s wake when he received the heartbreaking news of his wife’s sudden passing.

“It was painful, I couldn’t speak. We had a death in the family, my mother, and while she was lying in state, this happened. So, I quickly bought a ticket to return to Manila," he said.

Loting, a retired elementary school teacher from North Caloocan, was described by her family as active and in good health before the accident. Her husband expressed deep sorrow over her sudden and violent passing.

“We all die, but hers is particularly painful because it happened suddenly. Especially since she was run over; she probably even screamed,” Alberto added.

Their son, Jay, 38, recounted that his mother had gone to the nearby public market the morning of the accident, as part of her daily routine.

"She likes to be ahead of schedule, and that’s part of her daily routine. She went to the market, and I was wondering why it took her so long to return. Then, a neighbor knocked on our door and told us that she had been run over," he said.

Loting is survived by her husband, two grown children, and soon-to-be five grandchildren.

According to Cesar Divinagracia, administrative officer of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, CCTV footage captured the moment when Loting was hit by the 10-wheeler truck after she appeared in the driver’s blind spot while crossing the street.

The truck driver was immediately taken into police custody and will face charges for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide.

Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie ‘Wes’ Gatchalian and Valenzuela City Police Chief Nixon Cayaban visited the victim’s family to offer financial and legal assistance as they cope with their loss.