AURORA, Isabela – Eight people died while several others were injured after three vehicles were involved in a collision along the national road in Barangay San Pedro-San Pablo here early Saturday morning.
The vehicles involved were two Kalinga-bound vans and a six-wheeler truck loaded with pipes.
Police said the Santiago City-bound truck, driven by October de Leon, a resident of Echague, Isabela, allegedly encroached into the opposite lane of the road, colliding with the first van driven by Ron Ron Onalam, a resident of Barangay Danao, Lacnog, Tabuk City, Kalinga. It then crashed head-on with the second van, driven by Oseas Calderon of Barangay Bulo, Tabuk City, which was trailing behind.
All eight fatalities were from the second van and included its driver. Those initially confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital were Niches Heizele Cagayongan, Claribel Maling, Jing Romboa, Oseas Calderon, and four others whose identities have yet to be verified.
Two passengers from the first van were injured, while another remains unconscious and under close medical supervision. The truck driver also sustained injuries and was brought to a family clinic in Cabatuan town. Emergency responders rushed all victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities have taken custody of the truck and are preparing appropriate charges against its driver.
