Bus tire flies off, kills girl, hurts brother in Koronadal

One of two tires that detached from a passenger bus killed a girl and critically hurt her brother in Koronadal City.

KORONADAL CITY — A 14-year-old girl was killed while her brother was critically hurt when one of two tires that flew off from a passing bus hit them on Sunday in this city,  police said Monday.

Supt. Barney Condes, the city police chief, identified the girl as Tricia Alberio, of Purok Artisean in Barangay San Roque. Her brother was Dodong, 10.

Quoting investigators, Condes said a General Santos City-bound Yellow Bus with body number A-59 was traversing a diversion road in Barangay San Roque at 4 p.m. when two of its four rear tires were suddenly detached as it was negotiating an uphill road.

Resident Gaudencio Bayonal, 49, said the village was being used as a diversion route after protesting drought-hit farmers blocked the main highway on Sunday.

Tricia’s brother was being treated at the South Cotabato provincial hospital while the girl’s remains were brought to a funeral parlor.

The Yellow Bus management vowed to extend aid to the victims’ family.