6 dead in Eastern Samar vehicular mishap

MANILA, Philippines – Six persons died when a van collided with a dump truck in Salcedo town, Eastern Samar on Saturday.

Rhodora Garcia, Gilberto Labicane, Julita Labicane, Jasmine Labicane, Juanito Tienes and the van driver, identified only as Peter, were declared dead on arrival at the Guiuan General Hospital.

Senior Inspector Mark Nal-da, public information officer of the Eastern Visayas Regional Police, said the Toyota Hi-Ace van with seven passengers onboard was traveling along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Naparaan when it collided with a Daewoo truck at around noon.

The truck, owned by Hanjin Heavy Industry and Construction Co. and driven by Felix Piang, reportedly swerved into the van’s lane.

Piang fled after the incident. The truck was found abandoned in Quinapundan town.