Christmas Day road accident: 20 killed, 25 hurt in La Union

UPDATED 2:45 p.m. / 25 December 2017

AGOO, LA UNION – Seven children were among the 20 persons killed when a passenger jeepney collided with a bus here early morning on Christmas Day.

Six-month-old Kyle Cabagbag was the youngest fatality. The six other minors were identified as Nadine Joy, Norin Ivy and Neil Ivan, all surnamed Cabueñas; Mark Jerson Cabero; Anna Karmina Ramiscal; and Claudia Cabradilla, according to a list compiled by the La Union provincial police office.

Chief Insp. Roy Villanueva, Agoo police chief, said the jeepney was speeding and was about to overtake another vehicle when it crashed into a northbound Partas Bus around 3:30 a.m. Monday along the southbound lane of the Manila North Road in Barangay (village) San Jose Sur.

The impact instantly killed 19 of the 29 jeepney passengers, among them: Florence Cabueñas; Pepito and Cecil Antolin; Rolando Perez; Vicky Cabagbag; Jeraldine, Claudine and Jeffrey Cabradilla; Kennedy Cabagbag; Manuelito Lomboy Jr.; and Adila and Vergie Antolin. The 20th fatality, Nelson Cabueñas, died while undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

Nine jeepney passengers injured in the crash are currently in stable condition at the hospital: Ronald and Wenalyn Cabueñas; Ian Antolin; Chita and Johnny Cabradilla; and minors Ednalyn Ramirez; Herson Cabiro; and Jessa Mae, and Jocelyn Cabradilla. Earlier reports indicated that some 25 individuals were hurt in the incident.

Villanueva also said the jeepney passengers may have been relatives, who came from Barangay Pilar in Bauang town in La Union.

The jeepney was allegedly headed for the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Manaoag town in Pangasinan province, and was reportedly rushing to hear the Christmas Mass.             /kga