4 students dead in 2 road mishaps in Tuguegarao

REINA MERCEDES, Isabela—Four students were killed in separate road accidents here and in Tuguegarao City on Aug. 3 and 4, police said.

Two students, both 19, were killed and their friend was seriously hurt on Aug. 4 when their brand new Toyota Hi-Lux pickup slammed into a tree in Barangay Nappacu Pequeno here, police said.

Hermogenes Gaffud Jr. and Marvin Diang, both students at a private college in Cauayan City, died before reaching the Cauayan Medical Specialists’ Hospital. Their friend, Jerric Marquez, 19, was in serious condition at the same hospital.
Police said Gaffud drove the pickup for a road test with his friends to Ilagan town. Investigators said Gaffud tried to avoid hitting a tricycle, and ran into a tree on the road shoulder.

In Tuguegarao City, two students on a motorbike were killed on Aug. 3 when they were hit by a 10-wheel truck on the national highway, police said.

Jacob Macanang, 17, and Roger Lunnay, 19, both of Pengue Ruyu village in Tuguegarao, died instantly. The truck driver was arrested. Police said the motorcycle driver tried to overtake the truck but the latter suddenly swerved to the left to make a U-turn.