Photo courtesy of Rene Alima
TOLEDO CITY, CEBU- A cargo truck fully loaded with sacks of assorted vegetables fell on one side in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, Toledo City, Cebu, approximately 33 kilometers from Cebu City.
The vehicular incident, which was reported on Saturday dawn, caused the death and injuries of passengers who boarded at the back portion of the vehicle.
Among the fatalities were Maria Janela Bantoy 52, and Antonieta Villarmia, 53, both residents of Balamban, a neighboring town.
Nine passengers, including two minors, were injured: Generose Pinol, 8; Alona Albon, 16; Michael Pardillo, 20; Elmer Salondagit, 27; Romeo Loyola, 45; Engracio Lato, 50; Salome Olasiman, 51; Lita Pinol, 51; and Gloria Abalde, 56.
The truck, with plate number GGG 639, was driven and owned by Roswell Sombilon, who also sustained injuries.
Initial police investigation showed that the vehicle suffered a brake failure upon reaching the descending and curved portions of the barangay road.
The vehicle, due to its heavy load, lost its balance and fell on its right side.
The driver was supposed to transport the goods and passengers from Carbon Pubic Market, Cebu City to Toledo City and Balamban.
Sombilon is now detained at the jail facility of Toledo City Police pending the charges against him.