4 dead, 11 injured as truck rams roadside wake

PAGBILAO, Quezon, Philippines — Four people died while 11 others were injured when a wing van crashed into a group of visitors at a wake in Pagbilao, Quezon on Monday night.

Two of the fatalities were pinned under the truck. Another died while being treated at the Quezon Medical Center while the other was declared dead on arrival at MMG Hospital in Lucena City.

Nine others including a minor were taken to the Quezon Medical Center for treatment.

The truck driver and his helper suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene by responding members of the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council.

Reports said the Isuzu truck was headed to Santa Rosa City, Laguna when it figured in the accident along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Ibabang Palsabangon at around 10:45 p.m.

Investigation showed the vehicle was being driven by the truck helper as the driver was taking a break.

However, upon reaching the village, the helper reportedly fell asleep at the wheel, causing the truck to hit the victims before ramming a jeepney, three motorcycles, two tricycles and the gate of a nearby property.

Truck falls off cliff; 1 dead

Meanwhile, in Quirino province, a teacher died while 17 others were injured when their truck plunged into a ravine in Nagtipunan town on Sunday morning.

Probers said the victims were headed to an excursion in Dipaculao, Aurora to celebrate the birthday of the teacher when they figured in the accident at around 6 a.m.

Investigation showed the vehicle was headed down a winding road in Barangay Disimungal when it developed mechanical trouble. The driver reportedly lost control of the wheel, causing the truck to fall into the ravine.

The fatality died at the scene while the injured passengers were rushed to different hospitals for treatment.

The accident prompted local officials and residents to call for stricter road safety measures in that area.

They said it was not the first time that a fatal vehicular accident occurred in the area.