3 dead, 17 hurt in NLEX mishap

MANILA, Philippines - Three persons were killed while 17 others were injured when a Toyota Hi-Ace van they were riding turned over and hit a tree on the southbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Mexico, Pampanga Wednesday night.

PO3 Jessie Lopez identified the fatalities as Nelia Bacugan, Fidela Robinson and Diosdado Basuel.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the accident occurred at around 11:35 p.m.

Cruz said the victims had just visited the Manaoag Church when their vehicle hit the slope of a culvert at the vicinity of Barangay Suclaban.

 The injured passengers were brought to the Angeles University Foundation Hospital in Angeles City, Mexico Community Hospital in Mexico town and Jose Lingad Memorial Hospital.

– Ric Sapnu, Cecille Suerte Felipe