2 commuter vans collide in Leyte; 5 killed

VILLABA, Leyte – Five passengers on board a van-for- hire were killed after it collided with another passenger van owned by one family in Sitio Mahanglad, Barangay A. Tumamak here about 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

Senior Police Officer 3 Naiceto Macasusi, Villaba police traffic chief, said two commuter vans came from different directions – one from Tacloban City while the other came from Palompon town, Leyte.

The Toyota Hi-Ace from Tacloban was bound for Palompon while the other, for Ormoc City.

The two vehicles were owned by Ephraim Requitillo Jr.

Themistocles Hortellano Jr. of Palompon, the driver of the van heading to Ormoc, said the other van was cruising at a high speed when it skidded because the road was wet due to the heavy rain.

He said he already saw the van, zigzagging prompting him to stop but his van was still hit.

The impact didn’t stop the other van which headed to the slope beside the road, said Hortellano.

Hortellano said he bruised his foot and was able to help his passengers.

He later went to the other van to help the passengers who were hurt.

Four of the passengers brought to Vallaba District Hospital were declared dead on arrival.

They were Lenny Moe, of Russel Alih, an American with Indian origin, a certain Umpad and Orlando Raagas, 43, a makeup artist.

One of the five passengers sent to Ormoc District Hospital died at the hospital. The fatality, who had yet to be identified, was said to be a companion of Raagas.