7 dead, 12 injured as truck fell into ravine in Kalinga

Kalinga province (outlined in red) is in Northern Luzon. (Image from Google Maps)

MANILA, Philippines — Seven individuals died while 12 others, including the driver, were injured when the truck they were riding fell into a ravine in Kalinga on Black Saturday.

A report from the Police Regional Office Cordillera (Procor) said the accident, which involved an Isuzu dump truck, happened along Sitio Binongsay, Malin-awa, Tabuk City around 10 a.m.

Police reported that the truck was heading toward Barangay Balawag in Tabuk City, but upon reaching the stiff portion of the road, the vehicle stalled and rolled backwards, falling eventually five meters into a ravine.

Police said the truck driver, Mark John Lazaro, 20, and the 18 people were on board when the vehicle came crashing down the cliff. The driver and the 12 passengers  sustained serious injuries and were brought to Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Almora General Hospital and Holy Trinity Medical Clinic for medical treatment.

Four passengers were declared dead on arrival while three others died while undergoing medical treatment.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Col. Bernard Banac said the passengers were supposed to attend the “Posipos,” a customary activity in Kalinga, when the accident happened.

As of posting, a follow-up investigation is being conducted. /jpv