5 dead as shipping container falls into van

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – At least five people were killed and eight others were injured when a 40-foot shipping container carrying hundreds of boxes of Cavendish bananas fell into a Mitsubishi L-300 passenger van along the highway in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the L-300, carrying 13 passengers, had come from this city and was on its way to Monkayo town while the trailer truck bearing the shipping container was headed here.

Investigation showed that the L-300 was negotiating a curve in Purok Dos, Barangay Sibonga when the 40-foot shipping container fell into it.

The van’s driver, Juntal Montales, was among the five fatalities.

The truck driver, Michael Bacalso, was arrested and charged. He is detained at the Nabunturan police station.

Those injured were brought to the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City.  – Edith Regalado