The tragedy occurred on a steep section of Highway 70 in Sitio Platacan, Barangay Christianuevo, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday afternoon. Eight people were killed while 15 were injured after a mini dump truck with 22 passengers on board fell into a ravine.
The deceased were identified as Aling Sahipa, 50; Mando Ramon Sali, 40; Moner Abdulah; Todz Mamintal; Marinaya Taher Nailan; Mohamad Digan; Mohamad Macarimbang; and Babylyn Sahipa, 14. The victims were pronounced dead at the hospital due to severe injuries.
According to the investigation, the blue mini dump truck lost its brakes while descending a steep road. It was being driven by Alvin Guiapar Adam, 38, from Parang, Maguindanao, and was carrying 22 people, all from Maguindanao del Norte.
As a result of the brake failure, the driver lost control and the vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier before plunging into a ravine. The injured were immediately brought to the South Upi Municipal Hospital and Sultan Kudarat District Hospital for treatment.
The damage to the vehicle is estimated at hundreds of thousands of pesos. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
