BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
CAPIZ – The 39-year-old driver of a 10-wheeler truck that caused a multi-vehicle road crash in Ivisan town has tested negative for illegal drugs use.
Ryan Molato, a resident of Carles, Iloilo, was immediately subjected to a physical examination at Roxas City Health Office and drug testing at Capiz Provincial Forensic Unit following the accident in Barangay Poblacion Norte, Ivisan on Tuesday morning, August 13.
Molato was still under the custody of the Ivisan Municipal Police Station (MPS) as of this writing.
Police said the lawyer of Molato’s employer is set to meet with the victims.
Meanwhile, Ivisan police confirmed that another individual was confirmed dead following the accident.
Senior citizen Jose Navarra died while receiving treatment at a hospital. Reports said that the motorcycle-riding Navarra was ran over by the truck.
The first fatality was identified as Maricel Sargento, a street sweeper. She succumbed to fatal body injuries.
To recall, Molato lost control of the truck after its brakes malfunctioned and plowed into around 27 vehicles running in the opposite direction around 7:36 a.m. The truck was loaded with construction materials.
Police said Molato and his four companions were from Balasan, Iloilo and was heading to Kalibo, Aklan when the accident happened.
Investigation further showed that the truck overtook the motorcycle driven by Sargento’s husband, causing the victim to fall off and she was ran over by the truck.
As of this writing, 12 injured victims were still recuperating at the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital and St. Anthony Hospital./PN
