Pedestrian Killed and Cyclist Injured in Collision with Ceres Bus in Negros Occidental

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening along the National Highway in Barangay Galicia, Ilog, Negros Occidental, when a collision between a Ceres bus, a pedestrian, and a cyclist led to a fatality and serious injury. The deceased was identified as Joseph Castillo, 50, a local businessman. The injured party, an 18-year-old student named France Bolneo, was also a resident of the barangay.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus was traveling southbound when it sideswiped the cyclist, who was returning home after visiting a store. In an attempt to avoid hitting the cyclist, the bus swerved but unfortunately struck a pedestrian crossing the road.

Both victims suffered head injuries and were promptly transported to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival, Castillo was pronounced dead, while Bolneo was stabilized and later transferred to Holy Mother of Mercy Hospital in Kabankalan City for further treatment.

The bus sustained damage to its windshield and was temporarily seized by the police. Authorities have taken the bus driver into custody under the jurisdiction of the Ilog Municipal Police Station for further legal proceedings.