Two boys drown as tricycle falls from bridge in Tarlac

Two boys drowned after the kolong-kolong tricycle they were riding in fell off a bridge in this town on Sunday.

According to a report, six-year-old Prince Arvie Tabifranca and four-year-old Darren Kyle Tabifranca died after the kolong-kolong tricycle driven by their mother, Lea Tabifranca, plunged off an improvised bridge around noon.

The mother survived the accident, but the boys were swept away by the strong current. Their bodies were retrieved hours later. She reportedly attempted to save her sons but was disoriented from the fall.

Further investigation revealed the family was en route to a birthday party in Bayambang. The tricycle had come from Nampicuan and was crossing the bridge when it encountered a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction. While trying to make room for each other, the tricycle lost balance and fell off the makeshift structure.

Residents said the bridge had been built just two days before the incident.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III visited the Tabifranca family to pay respects and extend support. The Quick Response Team (QRT), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Section, and Municipal Action Team accompanied the visit.

The agency also provided financial aid and other assistance to the grieving family.