2 dead, 7 hurt in Quezon road mishaps

LUCENA CITY –– Two motorists died and at least seven others were injured in two separate road accidents in Quezon province on Sunday, police reports said Monday.

The Quezon police reported that motorcyclist Jojo Pondevida, 28, while traversing the highway, was hit by an oncoming owner-type jeep that sped off after the incident in Barangay Sta. Rosa in Mulanay town around 9 p.m.

Pontevida was brought to the Catanauan District hospital in the neighboring town of Catanauan, but he died on the way.

The police are conducting a follow-up investigation to identify the hit-and-run jeep driver.

In Pagbilao town, a wayward cargo truck bumped two tricycles while negotiating a descending section of the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Silangang Malicboy around 4:45 a.m.

One of the tricycle drivers, Kinley Villaflores, 21, died on the spot from fatal body injuries.

The other tricycle driver and six other passengers of both vehicles suffered injuries and were taken to the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City for treatment.

A report said the truck driver, Anselmo Celestino Jr., lost control of the vehicle while driving downhill that led to the collision.

LZB