19 die, 22 injured after truck falls into 20-meter deep ravine in Apayao
CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – At least 19 persons died while 22 others were injured and three others escaped unscathed after an Isuzu Elf truck plunged into a 20-meter deep ravine Sitio Gassud, Barangay Karikitan, Conner, Apayao province, Thursday night.
Police Major Carol Lacuata, regional information officer of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, said the victims are residents of Barangay Lattut, Rizal, Cagayan, who just came from Barangay Gagabutan West, also in Rizal town, to get their corn seeds distributed by the government.
Police Capt. Manuel Canipas Jr., chief of the Conner
Municipal Police Station, identified the fatalities as Margie Agustin Pamittan; Amparo Ole Aberion, 63; Brenda Datul Talay, 25; Imelda Ole Talay; Pacita Dajucon; Mercy Pataras Gundan; Leticia Bayaua Patay, 49; Susana Ballesteros Milo, 48; Rosemarie Bayaua Molina; Hermilinia Dacucuy, 57; Ludalina Talay Molina; Aida Batallones, of Conner who hitched a ride from Tuao, Cagayan; Domingo Gundan Asperela, 66; Mamerto Pigaten Milo, 62; Conrado Molina Sabatan,70; Claro Culili Mamauag, 71; Jason Verdadero Talay; Rudy Velasco Pagtama, 38; and Reymundo Battad Sosa.
A report from Police Capt. Manuel Canipas Jr., chief of the Conner Municipal Police Station, said the truck bearing license plate HRM 189 is owned by Merlito Culili Gannaban and driven by Maytofor Datul, 39. The driver, including 18 other injured, are recuperating in a hospital.
Canipas, quoting initial report, said the truck was ascending the road going to Conner proper when the engine suddenly shut off causing the break failure. The truck eventually fell into the revine.
“Upon learning the accident, our police personnel, health staff, the local rescue personnel, firemen, and other volunteers immediately responded and took the victims to Conner District Hospital,” Canipas said.
Police said the victims took the mountainous highway in Conner as it is the shortest route between Barangay Lattut and Barangay Gagabutan, both in Rizal town, Cagayan.