9 killed, 9 injured in Nueva Ecija road accident

MANILA, Philippines—Nine people were killed, while nine others were left injured after three vehicles figured in an accident in Nueva Ecija before dawn Wednesday, a spokesperson said.

Chief Inspector Karen Clark, Chief of Regional Public Information Office Region 3 said the accident occurred along Maharlika Highway, Purok Curva in Barangay (village) Bantug, Science City of Muñoz around 2:30 a.m., involving a Honda Wave motorcycle (YZ 5358) driven by Leoncio Pajarillo, an Isuzu Truck Gasoline Tanker (XMD 771) driven by Sylvino Marzo, and a Victory Liner bus (CWR 195; body number 1664) driven by Ryan Camaging.

Clark said initial investigation revealed that the bus was taking the southbound lane when it hit the motorcycle from behind. Camaging maneuvered the bus to the left, causing a head-on collision with the approaching tanker that was traveling along the opposite lane.

All three drivers of the vehicles died on the spot, so as other people riding on the bus, and the lone passenger of the motorcycle.

Along with drivers Pajarillo, Marzo and Camaging, other fatalities taken to Muñoz Funeral Parlor were identified as Evangeline Pajarillo, 41; Donatella Aquino; Marife Cale Bondoc; and three still unidentified victims.

The nine injured victims were subsequently taken to San Jose General Hospital and CLSU Infirmary Hospital for medical treatment, Clark said.