POLICE reported the death of at least 15 people while two others critically injures after a truck fell off a ravine Wednesday in Barangay Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
Reports said that the driver allegedly lost control of the truck at around 1:46 pm Responders brought survivors to the Mabinay Community Hospital for treatment.
Police Major Nelson Lamoco, chief of the Mabinay police, in an interview said the death toll rose to 15 in the hours following the mishap.
Two people were badly hurt, Lamoco said, adding that authorities were still gathering more information on their medical condition.
Lamoco said the victims were livestock businessmen who loaded the truck with their purchases. They were on their way to Dawis village in Bayawan City when tragedy struck.
The Mabinay police chief confirmed that many people were onboard the closed van.
“Marami po, sir. According sa mga pamilya, nakausap po natin kanina, parang mayroon silang mga puhunan, kaunting puhunan sir, at doon sila bumili ng baboy. Pagkatapos nakabili ng baboy, dito nila isinakay… sa vehicle sir,” Lamoco said.
