Woman, 2 kids killed in Bulacan road crash

Policemen respond to a road crash involving a tricycle and a van that left three people, including two children, dead. (Photo courtesy of San Miguel police station)

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan — Two children and their 29-year-old mother were killed, while four others were seriously injured when their tricycle collided head-on with another vehicle along the national highway in this town on Wednesday (July 20), police said.

Col. Charlie Cabradilla, Bulacan police director, identified the fatalities as siblings AJ Maniquiz, 5, and Miguel Maniquiz, 7, who were declared dead on arrival at the San Miguel District Hospital.

Their mother, Monica Ramos, 29, also died while being treated at the PJG Hospital in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija province.

The 13-year-old driver of the tricycle and three others, including a 1-year-old boy, sustained serious injuries, investigators said.

According to an initial investigation, the victims were headed to a vaccination site when their tricycle was hit by a van.

Police said the underaged driver of the tricycle tried to avoid another vehicle that was trying to take over before it collided with the oncoming van.

The van driver, who was identified as Angelo Paras, 61, of San Leonardo town in Nueva Ecija, was arrested by the police and was detained at the San Miguel police station.

Staff Sgt. Jose Ryan Vendil said Paras would face charges for homicide and multiple serious injuries through reckless imprudence and damage to properties.

Col. Jason San Pedro, San Miguel Police chief, said the accident should serve as a reminder to the public not to allow underage children to drive vehicles.

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