One was killed, while four others were injured after a private vehicle plowed through members of a family who were walking by the roadside in Lapu-Lapu City.

The driver was identified to be a Canadian national.

Benjie Gulane, the head of the family, mourns over the loss of his wife, Emelia.

Benjie narrated that Emelia was set to buy “ukay-ukay” (secondhand, surplus, or pre-owned clothing) for her children set to attend a Christmas party in school on December 19, 2024. But the woman figured in a road accident and died.

Emelia's sister, Melomina Mellanes, 52 years old, sustained injuries.

Melomina said that while they were walking by the roadside along ML Quezon Highway in Soong, Barangay Mactan past 4 p.m. on December 16, 2024, a private vehicle slammed into them.

Melomina’s 30-year-old daughter, Mary Jane Mellanes Majaba, is still at the hospital, as of this writing, recuperating from a fractured shoulder.

Melomina said that, in reflex, she was able to push away her 10-year-old child and three-year-old grandchild. 

The two suffered minor injuries.

According to Lt. Col. Christian Torres, spokesperson of the Lapu-Lapu City Police, the 35-year-old Canadian national dozed off while driving.

A case was filed against the suspect on December 17, 2024, but because the other persons hurt in the incident did not pursue any complaint, only a case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide was filed.

The victims could only hope that the Canadian national would settle damages for the harm inflicted on them, especially that Melomina has a hard time standing, thus affecting her daily income. 

The news team was not able to get the Canadian national's side to the incident as he left the police station immediately after he posted bail.