3 killed, 8 injured in Quezon smashup

Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna , Philippines  – Three men were killed while eight others were injured in a collision of an Isuzu truck and a closed van along the Maharlika Highway in Atimonan, Quezon before dawn yesterday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Elmo Francis Sarona, Quezon police director, identified the fatalities as truck driver Manuel Cleofo, and his helpers Michael Bonador and a certain Boboy.

Injured were Sonny Cangayo, Marijoy Nebria, Benigno Sanelo, Rey Quinonez, Froilan Ventolina, Gener Gatmaitan, Johnny Doverte, and Jeffrey Doverte.

Reports said the Isuzu Forward truck loaded with vegetables was on its way to Naga City in Camarines Sur from Divisoria, Manila when it rammed into a 10-wheeler Hino closed van heading toward Manila in Barangay Tagbakin, Atimonan town.

Cleofo, who was driving the Isuzu truck, and his two helpers were killed on the spot. Three of their passengers were hurt, along with the van’s driver and four passengers, who were all rushed to the nearest hospital.

Investigation showed that the truck had overtaken another vehicle before it smashed into the closed van. – Arnell Ozaeta, Ed Amoroso and Michelle Zoleta