AT least ten people were killed and several others injured when a cargo truck fell off a ravine in Zamboanga del Norte’s Baliguian town, police said.
The truck was delivering copra and soft drinks when the driver, Reynaldo Hadjal, lost control of the wheel and skidded off the roadside and fell into the deep ravine, hurling passengers sitting atop the cargo. The accident occurred on Wednesday in Mamawan village, according to the police report.
The driver was among seven people seriously wounded in the crash. Rescuers brought the injured to a hospital in the neighboring coastal town of Labason. No other details were made available, but an investigation into the tragedy has begun.
Police identified the fatalities as Adjie Hadjal, the truckman; Marcelina Humunong, Mesterio Suales, Insing Ompia, Analyn Budong, Alicita Abong, Marciano Ansali, Junie Salibat, and Christy Sandigo.
Wounded were Pendina Gumamay, Reynald Hadjal, Ronalyn Mudung, Lita Sandigo, Joel Sauban, Julieta Abao, and Lito Midong.
Police investigation showed that the victims, mostly hitchers, were aboard a truck fully loaded with sacks of coconut kernels traveling from Barangay Milidan, Baliguian, to the town of Labason.
Police said the truck fell into a 20-meter ravine as the driver lost control of the steering wheel as the truck’s brake malfunctioned while traversing a descending section of the road.
The nine fatalities died on the spot while the wounded passengers were hospitalized, he said.
He said hitch riding on cargo trucks is a common practice in Barangay Milidan and other areas of Baliguian town due to a scarcity of public transportation
