Mother, 2 kids buried in sand die in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines—A 22-year-old mother and her two young daughters were killed after their make-shift house was buried in sand carried by a dump truck that fell on its side in Quezon City shortly before midnight Wednesday, police said Thursday.

Senior Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Patiag identified the mother as Jennelyn Badajo, and her two daughters as Jaysee, 3; and Kristel, 2.

He said the truck, driven by Jerome Doctolero, was entering the elevated pathway of a compound located at lot 30 in Maria Clara Street in Barangay (village) Sto. Domingo around 11:45 p.m. to deliver sand when its right tire sunk in the soil softened by rains.

“Noong hindi kinaya no’ng truck, umangat na iyong harap tapos natumba na pakanan,” he said.

Due to this, the sand spilled and buried the makeshift house of the victims who served as the caretaker of the compound.

Jennelyn and Jessie were the first to be pulled out of the sand, but were declared dead on arrival at the hospital, followed by Kristel who was recovered around 5 a.m. Thursday, but was likewise declared dead on arrival at the hospital, he said.

Patiag said further investigation was being conducted as appropriate cases were being filed against Doctolero.