1 dead after AUV crashes into nine kids in Dagupan

A nine-year old boy died while eight other children were injured after they were hit by their neighbor’s Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) in Dagupan, Pangasinan.

In CJ Torida’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday, the children just finished playing and were resting on the side of the road in Barangay Bonuan Gueset past 6 p.m. on Sunday when the AUV struck them before hitting the wall of a house.

“Nagkaroon ng mechanical defect. Una, ayon sa pagsisiyasat natin, sinabi ng driver na may iniwasan siyang isang babae at saka yung tri bike. That's the time na kinabig niya doon sa may kanan,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Brendon Palisoc, chief of Dagupan Police Station.

(There was a mechanical defect. According to our investigation, the driver said he was avoiding a woman and a tri bike. That’s the time when he swerved to the right.)

Nine-year-old Russel Aquino died as a result of the accident. His mother described him as a cheerful, lovable, and kind son.  

“Bago po pupunta ng eskwela, magpapaalam, hahalik muna sa akin. Hindi po mababayaran ng kung ano man yung pagkakamatay sa anak ko. Hindi ko matanggap,” said Maribel Aquino, the victim’s mother who is seeking justice for her son’s untimely death.

(He would say goodbye and kiss me before he left for school. Nothing can make up for his death. I can’t accept what happened to him.)

The victims, aged seven to 13 years old, were relatives and friends.

Some of them sustained injuries on their feet, elbows and hands while others had swollen feet and ears as well as bruises.

Six of them have been released from the hospital while two others are still receiving medical care, including a child who was pierced by a metal rod from a damaged wall.

Based on the investigation, the AUV driver was returning home from the town of Malasiqui when the accident happened.

“Ipinagdarasal ko na kung maaari, mapatawad ako ng pamilya. Hindi ko sinadya. Wala naman pong taong sasadyain na mangyari yun,” the suspect said.

(I pray that, if possible, their families would forgive me. I did not mean for it to happen. No person would do it on purpose.)

However, Aquino’s family said it is easy to forgive but it’s difficult to overcome the grief they are currently experiencing. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News