8 killed in Maguindanao road accident

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—At least eight people were killed and five others  wounded when an Asian utility vehicle (AUV) and a cargo truck collided in Parang town in Maguindanao, the police reported Wednesday.

Inspector Harry Gubat, Parang police chief, said the Toyota Innova, which came from Malabang, Lanao del Sur, was passing by Barangay Landasan enroute to General Santos City around 3 p.m. Tuesday when the accident took place.

Gubat said based on investigation, the passenger van’s driver, who was not immediately identified,  tried to overtake another vehicle but did not see the oncoming truck on the opposite lane.

“Six passengers were instantly killed. Two of the casualties, who were initially injured, died later,” he said.

Gubat said the wounded victims were taken to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center here.

Felix Gaslan, the truck’s driver, told a local radio station that he saw the passenger van getting onto his lane but it was travelling too fast and hit his truck before he could make any evasive maneuver.

Gubat said traffic authorities were concluding their investigation and would file charges against the liable parties.