GenSan highway mishap kills 10

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – At least 10 persons were killed, including three minors, when a speeding passenger van collided with a passenger truck in Barangay Batomelong here on Monday afternoon amid a heavy downpour.

Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, the spokesperson for the police in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, said the collision occurred around 3:45 p.m. between a Toyota Hi-Ace passenger van loaded with passengers and a passenger truck, more known as “double tire” jeepney.

The  Isuzu truck, with license plate DGF-453), was driven by Dexter Villarin, 23, of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur while the Toyota passenger van with 12 passengers was driven by James Entero of Malungon, Sarangani.

Gonzales said the van was heading to Davao City while the passenger truck was moving toward Gen. Santos City proper.

He identified those killed in the van as Maria Entero, 64; Rosario Calmorin, 60; Adelandia Calmorin; Merenie Decenorio, 33; Ricardo Entero Jr, 3; Ricardo Calmorin, 63, and two children (a boy and a girl) aged one and two years old, all residents of Malungon.

Meanwhile, the fatalities in the passenger truck were identified as Dominador Calob, 70; and Eduardo Roque, 52. Five others were hurt, including the van driver.

Gonzales said all the fatalities were declared dead on arrival at various hospitals in the city. It appeared that the van passengers were related to each other, including the driver.

He said the number of fatalities may increase since many are still in critical condition.

Gonzales said the truck driver, who sustained minor injuries, is now detained and under investigation. The van driver is confined in a St. Elizabeth hospital in the city. /ee