Archival promises assistance to flyover crash victims

Local

CEBU CITY Mayor Nestor Archival on Friday assured assistance to the family of an 18-year-old student who died in a recent ambulance-related road crash.

Archival said he personally visited the wake of Braille Nichole Kwek on Thursday night to extend condolences and express the city government’s support.

“Niadto ko isip usa ka amahan sa syudad,” the mayor said in an interview, describing the victim as a “promising” student.

Kwek, a Mechanical Engineering student, was killed in a collision involving an ambulance on the Archbishop Reyes Avenue flyover on April 14.

Archival said he had already extended initial financial help in his personal capacity and has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) to determine what further assistance the city can provide.

He did not specify the amount but said the city is assessing additional support for the bereaved family.

The mayor said he has yet to visit the detained ambulance driver but has ordered a closer review of the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s background and experience.

He added that authorities are also looking into the condition and actions of both parties involved in the crash.

“I am looking into the real experience of our drivers,” Archival said.

He noted that the case would be thoroughly investigated.

The 23-year-old ambulance driver is currently under the custody of the Cebu City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit. Authorities have filed an initial charge of reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injury and damage to property, while a possible homicide case is being prepared.

In the wake of the incident, Archival said the city will review existing training programs for barangay responders and emergency vehicle drivers, including those operating ambulances and fire trucks.

He clarified that responders already undergo regular training on safety and disaster preparedness, but the city is now evaluating what additional measures can be introduced, particularly for those operating large emergency vehicles.

“This may not necessarily be an overhaul, but an improvement,” he said.

Archival emphasized the need to minimize similar incidents, especially those involving young victims.

The mayor described the crash as an “isolated” case but acknowledged its severity, noting it is the first fatal incident of this scale involving an emergency vehicle since he assumed office.

While minor incidents may have occurred in the past, he said this case stands out due to the loss of life and has prompted closer scrutiny of current systems.

Initial police investigation showed that the victims were traveling northbound along the flyover when they encountered an ambulance coming from the opposite direction.

Authorities said the ambulance, which was transporting a patient who had reportedly suffered a stroke, allegedly counterflowed, leading to the collision.

Due to the impact, both victims were thrown off the motorcycle. Kwek sustained fatal injuries, while the 19-year-old driver, Juan Antonio Ladioray, remains in critical condition.

Authorities have recently filed charges against the 23-year-old ambulance driver. The initial charge is reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries and damage to property, while a homicide case remains pending as the family of the deceased prepares to file charges.

The driver remains in the custody of the Cebu City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit as the investigation continues.