3 die in accident along Davao-Agusan highway

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Philippines – Three persons died following a three-vehicle smashup along the Davao-Agusan highway in Carmen town, Davao del Norte late on Saturday, police on Sunday said.

The accident happened around 4 p.m. when a motorcycle with three passengers rammed head-on a Toyota Innova in Tuganay village, Senior Superintendent Edgardo Wycoco, Davao del Norte police chief, said.

Senior Inspector Philip Ayban, Carmen police station chief, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that both the male victims died on the spot while the woman succumbed to severe injuries hours after being rushed to the Davao Regional Hospital.

The couple identified only by the surname as Bacong and another companion were onboard a motorcycle from San Isidro, Davao Oriental and on their way to Davao City.

“The motorcycle tried to overtake two vehicles but its driver did not see the oncoming car and attempted to swerve the motorcycle to the left lane causing the collision,” Ayban said, adding the careening motorcycle was also hit by the first vehicle it had tried to overtake, compounding the damage.

The SUV was from Davao City and travelling in the opposite direction, he said.

“The impact was so strong that the motorcycle’s steering handle was torn off and the victims were thrown off some 20 meters away. Both vehicles were apparently running on high speed causing so much damage,” said Ayban.

He identified one of the fatalities as Violeta Bacong, a resident of San Isidro, Davao Oriental. He said the victims were members of motorcycle volunteer group Karancho.

Albino Torquedo Jr., driver of the Innova and the driver of the other vehicle were being held at the Carmen police station for investigation and possible filing of charges, the police official said.