Truck explodes in Atimonan; driver burns to death

ATIMONAN, Quezon, Philippines — A cargo truck caught fire and exploded along a curved downhill portion of Maharlika Highway in Atimonan, Quezon, burning to death its 67-year-old driver early yesterday.

The Atimonan town police said the incident set ablaze two tricycles that were passing by when the truck exploded, leaving several passengers, including three minors, injured.

In a report, police said the truck was maneuvering downhill in Barangay Malinao Ilaya when it encountered mechanical failure, causing the driver, identified only as Rolando, to lose control of the vehicle.

Investigators noted that the road was dry at the time, although the sky was overcast.

The southbound truck reportedly hit a pile of mud near the roadside before ramming a parked truck and toppling on its side.

Witnesses said the wayward truck caught fire and exploded, its flames and blast damaging nearby houses, trees and power lines.

Investigators said motorcycle drivers Meriel and Edwin were taken to the Doña Martha Hospital for treatment, along with their passengers Amethys, Jamela and Angel.

Police said Rolando was pinned inside the burning truck and was declared to have died at the scene by responding local emergency personnel.

The Bureau of Fire Protection was called to put out the fire that quickly spread to a nearby house, several parked motorcycles and the two tricycles.

Arson probers have yet to provide an estimate of the damage.