BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental – At least nine passengers were confirmed dead and 33 others were injured when an elf truck carrying 42 passengers accidentally lost its brake in sitio Bagaay, Barangay Baliwagan, in Balingasag town, this province.
The identities of those who died, as well as those who were injured from the accident have yet to be identified.
Initial investigation from police authorities said the victims were from barangay Aposkahoy, Claveria town and they were bound for Lagonglong town to have swimming at Del Carmen Resort, when suddenly the truck’s brake has reportedly exploded.
Police Master Sergeant Roel Pabatao, traffic officer at Balingasag Police Station told a local radio station that the dead bodies and those who were injured have not been identified yet, but thorough investigation from police investigators are now ongoing.
Father Remel Mag-usara, a catholic priest said he was saddended when he heard his parishioners in Aposkahoy, Claveria met an accident in Balingasag town.
Kagawad Jojo Dalman, former barangay chairman of Aposkahoy said the victims were barangay workers. “Dugay rani ila plano nga mangaligo isip pahalipay sa barangay Capitan sa Aposkahoy apan karon lang gyud napadayon. Apan wala kakuyog si kapitan kay naay gibati sa lawas ug naadmit sa hospital,” Kag Dalman narrated.
He said there were 43 people onboard on said truck. They were composed of barangay workers including their siblings.
