Palghar: The serene May holiday turned devastating for a Vasai couple in the Philippines, as a tragic road accident in Cebu claimed the lives of Gerald Pereira (50) and his wife, Priya (46), residents of Sandor village in Vasai West. Their untimely demise has plunged their community into deep mourning.
About The Case
The couple had embarked on a vacation to the Philippines and were exploring the scenic Badian area on a rented two-wheeler on Saturday morning. According to local reports, a Filipino truck driver, in an attempt to overtake, collided with their bike, sending it crashing into a concrete electric pole.
Priya tragically died on the spot, while Gerald sustained serious injuries. He was immediately rushed to Chong Hua Hospital in Mandaue City, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday during treatment. The Badian Police have registered the case and arrested the truck driver responsible for the fatal collision.
In a poignant turn of events, the news of the tragedy reached their family when Gerald, despite his critical condition, managed to call Father Raymond Rumao, a priest at Manickpur Church in Vasai. He informed the priest about the accident, which helped the news reach the family and relatives quickly. "Had he not called, the news of the accident might have taken much longer to reach us," Father Rumao stated.
The couple is survived by their two children, Tanish (20) and Trisha (17). They had travelled to the Philippines alone for the vacation. Efforts are currently underway to repatriate their bodies to India. Some of their relatives have already flown to the Philippines to assist with the process.
Residents of Sandor and across Vasai have expressed deep sorrow over the untimely deaths of the Pereiras.
