Christmas Day Crash Claims the Life of 6-Year-Old Girl
CEBU – A 6-year-old girl tragically lost her life on Christmas Day in Naga after an SUV collided with her family’s motorcycle.
The family, out shopping for Christmas gifts, never anticipated that their joyful outing would end in such sorrow. The impact of the crash was so severe that it threw the family members several meters from the motorcycle. While the girl’s parents survived, her father remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
The loss of their young daughter has left the family devastated. Her grandfather, Consine Delute, expressed the unimaginable pain they are feeling, describing how the girl’s body appeared crushed from the crash. As the family grieves, they are determined to seek justice and will file charges against the 21-year-old SUV driver, who faces accusations of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injury, and damage to property.
The driver, who had just come from his mother’s wake and burial, expressed deep regret for the accident. He admitted that he had fallen asleep while driving, explaining that fatigue had overtaken him. “I’m very sorry, I did not mean it,” he said, visibly remorseful. Despite the crash, the passengers in the SUV, who were also asleep at the time, were fortunately unharmed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) is urging Filipinos to stay safe while traveling during the busy Christmas and year-end holidays. As many people take to the roads to attend gatherings or visit family, DOH Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Gloria Balboa emphasized the importance of preparing your vehicle before hitting the road.
She shared the BLOWBAGETS checklist to ensure everything is in working order—battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, and tires. She also reminded drivers to be mindful of their well-being, advising against driving if they’re tired or under the influence of alcohol. To avoid distractions, she encouraged drivers not to text or use their phones while on the road, as these can lead to accidents.
