2 killed, 17 injured in Cotabato accident

TWO persons, including a child, were killed while 17 others were injured when a 10-wheeler truck carrying a container van plowed through 14 vehicles along the national highway in Tupi, South Cotabato, officials said on Saturday.

According to a report by the Tupi Municipal Police, the incident happened late afternoon on Friday in Poblacion village, Koronadal City.

The police identified the two fatalities as Dimalodin Makasaehe, 28, and his six-year-old son, both on board a motorcycle, who were both declared dead at the hospital by an attending physician.

Emil Sumagaysay, Tupi Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, also on Saturday said the multi-vehicle smash-up happened after Albert Zambrano, 26, lost control of the truck’s steering wheel while traveling from General Santos City to Koronadal.

“A police report revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle when the brake system malfunctioned and rammed into at least 14 vehicles,” Sumagaysay added.

The vehicles rammed by the 10-wheeled truck included three sports utility vehicles, five motorcycles, a tricycle, three pick-up trucks and a bus.

Sumagaysay said the 17 injured victims were brought to Tupi municipal hospital and are still undergoing treatment there.

“The severely injured victims were referred to the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital for further treatment,” he added.

Rolly Aquino, officer in charge of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of South Cotabato, assured the victims would receive assistance from the provincial government.