Cops examine the accident site where a dentist working for the Department of Health died in a vehicular accident in Argao, Cebu. | contributed photo via Paul Lauro
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Investigations continue to shed light on the road tragedy in Argao town in southern Cebu on Monday, September 4, 2023, that claimed the life of a community dentist.
Based on their initial findings, police believe that the doctor may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Doctor Annie Irene Rufo, a dentist from the Department of Health (DOH) deployed in Boljoon, died after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) she drove crashed onto the rear end of a parked truck along the highway in Brgy. Bulasa, Argao.
READ: Doctor dies in road accident in Argao, Cebu
The tragedy happened around 5:40 a.m. on Monday.
The truck driver, Rowel Bajar Catacutan, told police that their vehicle, which carried sacks of cement from San Fernando town, had been parked off the highway since 3 a.m., or two hours before the fatal collision occurred.
According to Catacutan, they were bound for Negros Oriental but decided to take a rest before proceeding to the neighboring province.
Later in the morning, they woke up to the sound of a huge bang coming from behind the truck, he said. This prompted Catacutan to disembark from his vehicle to check. This was when he saw a severely damaged Toyota Rush stuck beneath the rear portion of the truck.
READ: Cebu officials mourn loss of community dentist
Headed to work
Police said it took rescuers at least two hours to extract Rufo’s body from the vehicle.
The victim, Rufo, was reportedly bound for her work at that time.
She had been Boljoon’s community dentist, said Provincial Board Member Raymond Calderon of Cebu’s 2nd District, in a statement.
The dentist reportedly came from Cebu City and was driving all the way to Boljoon town, located 103 kilometers south, when the tragedy occurred.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Doc Annie for the services rendered to our fellow Boljoanons and to the rest of the Second District LGUs (local government unit) where she also extended her services,” said Calderon.
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