Fuel tanker driver in deadly Palawan crash cleared of charges

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The driver of a fuel tanker involved in a vehicular incident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals on Aug. 25 has been released and is no longer facing charges, police said.

Police Captain Cyrus Taliman, Puerto Princesa City Police Station 2 commander, said they released the driver from custody after the 18-hour reglementary period had lapsed.

The fuel tanker was traveling along the national highway in Barangay Tiniguiban here when it collided with a Honda Click motorcycle carrying three people at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

The victims, identified as Carl Assie Abajo from San Vicente town, Princess Lara Padon and Dominic Ladica, both from Araceli town, died on the spot.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Earlier reports stated that the unnamed driver, who voluntarily surrendered to authorities after the incident, would be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.

READ: 5 dead, 5 others hurt in road crash in Palawan

Taliman said the families of the victims and the driver had already talked with a lawyer on Wednesday morning for a settlement.

He also said they were able to acquire video footage of the incident from the fuel tanker’s dashcam, clearly showing that the motorcycle overshot its side of the road and collided with the tanker.

Article continues after this advertisement

He explained that the footage showed that although the motorcycle was traveling fast, the driver was not racing with another motorcycle.

“Based on the footage, there was another motorcycle ahead, but its headlights blinked, indicating that the driver signalled to the tanker driver. After a few seconds, the motorcycle collided, so we cannot conclude that they were racing,” Taliman said.

Article continues after this advertisement

He also confirmed that, based on statements from relatives, the three came from a birthday party. He, however, explained that the cause of death cannot be determined because the result of the post-mortem examination has not yet been released. He added that the families also waived autopsy on the victims’ bodies. /mcm