5-year-old dies after getting hit by ambulance in Taytay

A 5-year-old boy died after getting hit by an ambulance in Taytay, Rizal. 

According to a 24 Oras report by EJ Gomez, the incident occurred in Barangay Sta. Ana in Taytay, Rizal at around 6 a.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024. 

The police said the victim's family went to a birthday party, while the victim was with his 12-year-old sister, who was ordered by their parents to buy plastic at a store.

“Noong maihatid nila yung plastic na kanilang binili, si Ate umalis at allegedly pupunta raw sa kaibigan, eto namang ating victim sumunod. Nung patawid na siya sa kalsada, siya namang daan nung ating ambulansiya,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlo Solero, Taytay Municipal Police Station.  

(When they delivered the plastic they bought, his sister left and allegedly went to her friend and the victim followed her. The ambulance was on the way when the boy was crossing the road.) 

The incident was caught on CCTV.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

“Aksidente yung nangyari. ‘Yung ambulansiya naman nakita natin sa CCTV medyo mabagal lang  din,” Solero said. 

(It was an accident. 'the ambulance, based on the CCTV was driving a bit slow.) 

Meanwhile, the ambulance driver said they came from a hospital in Quezon City and picked up tents used by those who were affected by a fire in Lupang Arenda. He said they were also about to pick up a patient. 

“Nakakalungkot ang nangyari dahil nga sa isang aksidente,” said the driver. 

(It's unfortunate that it happened because of an accident.) 

However, a witness, even before the accident, said the ambulance hit a mixer that was being used on the road under construction.

“Tinuro ko po yung mixer, sabi ko “nabangga nyo yung mixer.” Bumaba po yung driver, tapos yun po… meron po akong narinig na tunog ng preno na napakalakas. Tumakbo po ako tapos nakita ko may nasisigawan na, may nasagasaan daw. Pagtingin ko po ‘yun po pala yung anak ng kumpare ko,” said the witness. 

(I pointed to the mixer, and I said "you hit the mixer." The driver got out, and then... I heard a very loud brake sound. I ran and then I saw someone yelling, someone was hit. When I checked, it was my friend's son.)

The victim was identified as Donn Isiah Isaac Bagcal, who had just entered kindergarten.

“Hindi na rin naman kasi mababalik ng tawad yung buhay ng anak ko e. Gusto ko na lang mangyari hustisya talaga. Pagbabayaran niya talaga sa kulungan,” said Almyra Omapoy, the victim’s mother. 

(Forgiveness will never bring back my son's life. I just want justice to be served. He will rot in jail.)

The ambulance driver is now detained in the custodial facility of the Taytay Municipal Police Station and will face a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News