A 60-year-old man who was helping in an operation to clear a fallen tree from a road in Loay town amid the strong winds brought by Tropical Depression Domeng was killed after he was accidentally hit by a Southern Star bus.

Authorities identified the victim as Alfredo Tulilius, a resident of Barangay Yanangan in Loay.

According to SPO1 Michael Armeledez of the Loay police, the Southern Star bus rammed Tulilis while he was on the road helping to move a tree which was toppled by strong winds.

The victim was thrown away due to the impact. He was still rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Armeledez said that the bus which was driven by one Rogelio Garcia of Candijay also hit a motorcycle but its driver, Reneboy Januan, only suffered minor injuries.

The Ceres bus was traveling at a speed of around 70 km/h during the incident, Garcia admitted.

Garcia also told authorities that he did not notice the ongoing clearing operations and was unable to avoid the victims on time.

He was detained at the Loay lock-up jail but was set to be released after a settlement was organized by Ceres with the victim’s family.

The bus firm’s unit was also impounded by the authorities. (AD)