8 dead, 14 hurt in fatal highway accident in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Eight people were killed and over a dozen others were injured when a wayward truck plowed to several vehicles along a national road in this southern Philippine city over the weekend, police said today.

The accident happened along a diversion road in Maa village of Davao shortly after 8 p.m. last night, said Chief Inspector Jed Clamor, Southern Mindanao police regional spokesperson.

Clamor told Xinhua by text message that a 10-wheeler truck apparently lost its brakes and rammed into four other vehicles, including an Asian utility vehicle (AUV) with 15 people onboard.

At least eight people have been confirmed killed, while 14 others were injured and rushed to various hospitals in the city for treatment, said Clamor.   "The truck driver is now under custody (of the Davao City police),"Clamor said."Charges are to be filed against him."

Saturday's accident was the second that happened in the city which resulted in multiple fatalities.

Bad roads, reckless driving and poorly-maintained vehicles are the main causes of accidents on Philippine highways, which according to police kill at least 1,000 people yearly.