3 dead, 7 hurt in Quezon van-jeepney collision

Firemen work to rescue victims in yet another accident at the Maharlika Highway in Quezon province. At least three died in this accident in Atimonan town. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

LUCENA CITY – Three people died and seven others were hurt in a vehicular accident along the Maharlika Highway in Atimonan town in Quezon province late Thursday, police said.

A south-bound jeepney being driven by Edwin Martinez accidentally collided head-on with an oncoming van in Barangay (village) Balubad around 11:35 p.m., a report from the Atimonan police said.

The collision crushed the van and pinned driver Luisito Sarte inside. He died on the spot.

Van passenger, Segundina Llamado, died on the way to the Doña Martha Memorial District Hospital in Atimonan.

Another passenger, Menilla Llovido, died while being treated at the said hospital.

The other van passengers, Liza Llamado, Celebrada Montayas, Jocelyn Bengua, Salvacion Pasagi, Cara Alcibor, Victoria De los Santos, and jeepney driver Martinez, all suffered injuries in different parts of their bodies. Rescuers brought them to the same hospital.

Montayas, Pasagi, and Martinez were later transferred to another hospital in Lucena City for further treatment.

Police Officer 3 Oliver Andrey, case investigator, said the jeepney driver tried to avoid hitting the rear of a heavy equipment truck parked on the roadside, causing the jeepney to occupy the opposite lane that led to the collision.