3 kids, jeep driver killed in LU mishap

CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union – Three children aged three to nine and a 46-year-old man were killed while six others were seriously injured when the owner-type jeep they were riding in collided with a dump truck along the Naguilian Road in Burgos, La Union Thursday night.

Senior Superintendent Franklin Bucayu, La Union police director, identified the fatalities as jeepney driver Benjamin Cruz; Eliza Sañatan, four; Blessy Jen Sañatan, three; and Catherine Cruz, nine.

Those injured in the road mishap were Nenita Cruz, 40; Sherly Cruz, 16; Mark Sañatan, six; Jenny Sañatan, 24; and Adrian de Guzman, 22, all residents of Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City.

Jose Bagtila, the driver of the dump truck, was reportedly drunk when the accident happened. He sustained injuries.

Bucayu said the victims had come from Gusing Sur in Naguilian town and were on their way to Baguio City when the dump truck smashed into their owner-type jeep.

The jeepney driver and Eliza Sañatan were rushed to the Naguilian District Hospital but were declared dead on arrival, while Cruz and Blessy Jen Sañatan died at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City.

Police are readying charges against Bagtila, who is now in their custody.