Gov’t-owned car runs over girl in Compostela

A 7-YEAR-OLD girl died after a government-owned vehicle ran over her in barangay Lamintac Sur, Compostela town, northern Cebu.

Police said Danica dela Peña was with her two younger siblings and their mother, who brought them to school, when the accident occurred early morning last Monday.

Felimon Sotto, 56, worker of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Medellin town, surrendered to the police after the accident.

Police said Danica crossed the street when she was hit by the vehicle. The mother was carrying the other two children on their way to Antonio M. Pantaleon Elementary School.

Police said the girl was dragged about one kilometer because Sotto did not immediately stop.

Sotto told police that he drove off for fear of getting lynched after he saw a group of people rushing in his direction.

The girl could have been saved had Sotto stopped the vehicle right away, said P03 Paquito Son, desk officer of the Medellin police station.

Sotto was charged with reckless imprudence resulting to homicide before the Bogo City Regional Trial Court Branch 61, said police.

Bail was set at P40,000.