7 Army troops dead after service vehicle rams truck in Masbate town

This military service vehicle was wrecked after smashing Sunday, Oct. 16, into a parked cement truck mixer in Uson town, Masbate province, leaving seven soldiers dead. (Photo courtesy of Uson police)

LIGAO CITY — Seven Army soldiers died Sunday after their service vehicle crashed into a cement truck mixer in Uson town, Masbate province, authorities said.

The fatalities were Sgt. Bernardino Kyamko Jr., the driver; Private 1st Class Elizer Lahoy-lahoy; Private 1st Class Venzelle Gumba; Private 1st Class John Mark Aragon; Private 1st Class Ardie Rabi; Private 1st Class Christian Badong, and Private 1st Class Rodgen Palapar.

Except for Palapar, who died while being treated in a hospital, the six soldiers died on the spot.

A report said the left rear tire of the Army vehicle exploded, causing the driver to lose control of it before ramming the parked truck at 9:40 p.m.

The Army vehicle were carrying 14 military personnel when the crash happened, said Staff Sergeant Ladislao Delanye Jumao-as Jr., Uson police investigator.

Jumao-as Jr. said the seven other passengers had injuries. INQ

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