19-yr-old student from Conner, Apayao dies after ambulance hits scooter in Tuguegarao City

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — A 19-year-old college student from Conner, Apayao died after the scooter he was riding as a backrider was hit by an ambulance of the Tuguegarao City government at the intersection of Rizal and Gomez Streets in Centro 10.

The victim, identified only as “Pipoy,” was a second-year Education student who was temporarily staying along Arellano Street in Centro 9, Tuguegarao City. He was reportedly the only child of his parents.

Pipoy was riding as a backrider on the scooter driven by his fellow student, identified as “Rogie,” a resident of Capatan, Tuguegarao City, when the collision occurred.

The impact reportedly threw both students from the scooter. Pipoy was brought to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries.

The victim’s mother confirmed that their family has filed a complaint against the 60-year-old ambulance driver, a resident of Libag Sur, in connection with the incident.

According to the family, Pipoy’s aunt informed his mother about the accident. The family is currently holding his wake at a relative’s house in Pallua Sur, Tuguegarao City.

Meanwhile, social media comments expressed condolences to the family, with some commenters raising concerns about ambulance driving practices and urging drivers of emergency vehicles to observe defensive driving.

These comments, however, are personal opinions and do not establish the circumstances or liability in the crash.

The circumstances surrounding the collision, including whether the ambulance was responding to an emergency at the time, remain subject to investigation.