TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Anger and disbelief greeted the netizens in the morning of October 4, 2019 when a CCTV footage of a white Toyota Hilux causing a multiple crash went viral.
At least five vehicles were affected leaving four people hurt at Arellano Street, Centro 2 in this city.
Authorities identified the driver of the Hilux as Domingo Enciso, a retired district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways and a resident of this city.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Tuguegarao, Enciso’s Hilux earlier bumped the rear portion of a Ford Escape near the Divine Mercy Wellness Center but did not bother to stop.
PSSg Kristoffer Ferrer, the driver of the Ford Escape called for back-up when the Hilux did not stop.
As the Hilux sped away, it sideswiped a concrete fence, a street light post and tried to overtake a slow-moving tricycle with four people on board.
Police investigators estimated that Enciso was running at 80-100 kilometers per hour when he hit the side of the tricycle which threw two passengers into the streets.
Enciso then lost total control of the white Hilux and slammed into a parked red Mitsubishi Mirage.
Due to the impact caused by the collision, the tricycle bumped into a blue Mitsubishi Adventure parked on the opposite side, owned by Dominga Quigao, a 65-year old retired government employee.
The police said Enciso claimed that after he stepped on his accelerator, there was a sudden unintended acceleration from the car which he couldn’t control.
Police are now investigating Enciso’s claim through expert mechanics who will determine whether or not the car really malfunctioned at the time of the accident.
Authorities also denied rumors that Enciso suffered a stroke-like episode that caused him to lose control of his vehicle. The result of his medical examination proved otherwise.
The driver and the passengers of the tricycle which was earlier hit are now at a local hospital for treatment.
A closed-circuit television footage shows the tricycle driver thrown out from his tricycle after the collision.
A passenger identified as Rainier Matthew Pelagio was assisted by local residents and is now also being treated in another local hospital.
Also, a passenger of the tricycle, a student, is now recovering from surgery where her head was stitched from injuries.
As of press time, the driver of the Toyota Hilux is now under police custody.
