8 dead in Agusan road mishap

SANTIAGO, Agusan del Norte — A family of five and three relatives were killed and two others were seriously injured when their vehicle smashed into a bridge’s railing here and turned turtle before dawn the other day.

Police identified the fatalities as Melito Diez Sr., 35, who was driving the vehicle; his wife, Dadang, 32, and their three children, Melito Jr., 3, Cheryl Ann, 4, and Kikay, one; and relatives Tata Lamata, 38, his wife, Diding, 37, and Jean Lamata, 12.

The Diezes were from Bukidnon, and the Lamatas, Cagayan de Oro City.

Those who survived the accident but sustained injuries were Joan Lamata, 27, and Joe Lamata, 4.

Police said the victims were cruising the national highway en route to Surigao City when their vehicle suddenly swerved to the left and hit the railing of the Guinuyoran Bridge in Barangay San Isidro and turned upside down.

Residents said many similar accidents have happened in the area. — Ben Serrano