A couple selling fruits died after their tricycle was struck by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the national highway in Barangay Maronong, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.
The victims were identified as Salvador and Barbara Martinez, both 58.
Closed circuit television (CCTV) footage captured the moment the SUV, driven by a 21-year-old student, veered into the opposite lane and hit the couple's tricycle.
Based on police investigation, the SUV was overtaking another vehicle when it struck the tricycle.
"Umagaw ng linya [at] nag-overtake kaya nabangga niya ang tricycle [o garong]... nag-twist ang tricycle at naibangga pa sa pader," PLTCOL. Jun Wacnag, Chief of the Sta. Barbara Police Station, said.
The impact was so strong that the SUV’s windshield was destroyed and one of its front wheels was blown out. Worse, the accident severed the couple’s legs.
The Martinez family is grappling with their loss, the children seeking justice for the death of their parents.
"Masakit sa aming magkakapatid... dalawa po ang nawala, [mga] magulang namin; sila lang naghahanapbuhay," Sandy Martinez, the couple's child, said.
"Sana makonsensiya siya [yung suspek]... bigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay ng magulang ko," one of the victims' children said.
Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide have been filed against the SUV driver, who has expressed willingness to discuss the matter with the victims' family.