While on their way home from a personal vacation trip in San Juan, La Union, two Benildean industrial design students died while three others were injured after being hit by an SUV which swerved on the sidewalk.

The victims were brought in by concerned citizens to Lorma Medical Center in San Fernando, La Union.

ID 121 students Aldrick Espinosa, 19, and Sharney Rubio, 20, passed away due to the accident. Espinosa died on the spot and was proclaimed dead on arrival by the attending physician on May 2 while Rubio went into a coma. Rubio was still unresponsive but was surrounded by her family when they decided to discontinue life support today, May 3.

The three other students sustained injuries, namely Eryn Amante, 20, Rowell De Guzman, 19, and Quisha Denaga, 21. Amante was transferred to a hospital in Alabang while De Guzman and Denaga appeared in court to give their statements.

In an article by Manila Bulletin, Police Corporal Alfredo Agbunag of the San Juan Police Station shared that the victims were walking along the western sidewalk when a southbound White Mitsubishi Montero suddenly swerved and hit them. 

The person driving the vehicle has been identified as retired policeman, Romeo Nalayog, 60. Agbunag said the driver is under police custody and appropriate charges are already being prepared against the Nalayog.

After learning of the accident, the Benilde Leadership Team shared this statement, “With this incident, Benilde is saddened by the loss of a community member and request for prayers for the repose of his soul and the quick and complete recovery of our other students.” R.A. de Lemos