3 dead after closed van rams multiple vehicles in Baguio City
According to a report by CJ Torida of GMA Regional TV on "24 Oras," the accident happened at around 3:30 a.m. when the closed van rammed into a utility van coming from the opposite direction, before hitting traffic signage and slamming into parked SUVs and AUVs on the roadside.
The front of the van was completely wrecked following the multiple collisions.
Authorities said the vehicle was heading downhill when the incident occurred.
'Pababa siya. Mabilis at medyo pagewang-gewang. At doon nabangga niya 'yung nakasalubong niyang [Tamaraw FX] paakyat naman ng Bokawkan,' said PMaj. Mary Grace Marron, spokesperson of the Baguio City Police Office.
(It was going downhill. Fast and a bit swerving. Then it hit the [Tamaraw FX] coming up Bokawkan.)
The driver and two delivery helpers of the closed van were trapped inside the vehicle. Responding authorities had to use a metal saw to retrieve the bodies.
'Unfortunately, 'yung driver ng van at 'yung dalawa nitong pasahero ay binawian ng buhay,' Police Major Mary Grace Marron said.
(Unfortunately, the driver and the two passengers of the van died,' she said.)
The van was loaded with various auto parts for delivery to locations in Baguio and La Trinidad, Benguet.
Authorities clarified that the victims were not under the influence of alcohol. The driver, a native of Marilao, Bulacan, was among those killed. Police are still verifying the identity and residence of the two helpers.
Meanwhile, the driver of the utility van initially hit by the closed van sustained injuries and is currently under observation at a hospital.
'Patuloy pa rin pong inaalam kung ano talaga 'yung [sanhi]. Kasi initially po, human error. On going pa rin 'yung pag-i-investigate,' Marron said
.
(We are still determining the actual cause. Initially, it appears to be human error. The investigation is still ongoing.)
Authorities continue to probe the incident to determine the exact cause of the tragic crash.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
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