Fatal Accident on Davao-Cotabato National Highway
A tragic crash on the Davao-Cotabato national highway claimed the life of a barangay councilor from Sta. Josefa town, Agusan del Sur, while several others sustained injuries. The incident involved a Kia Bongo drop-side truck and an Isuzu cargo truck in Barangay Tres de Mayo, Digos City.
According to local officials, the barangay councilor, identified only as “Alyne,” 43, was driving the Kia Bongo with 14 passengers aboard when the collision occurred around 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 31. The accident happened just meters away from a traffic light.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision
Authorities reported that the Kia Bongo served as a rescue vehicle for Sta. Josefa town’s Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (BDRRMC) and was en route to Davao City. Following closely behind was a Suzuki FU150 motorcycle driven by “Jonard,” 34, a resident of Barangay Astorga, Sta. Cruz town.
Meanwhile, an Isuzu cargo truck, driven by a 43-year-old man named “Alberto,” was traveling in the opposite direction. As Alberto approached the highway stretch in Tres de Mayo, he attempted to slow down by applying brakes. However, a piece of wood reportedly got lodged under the brake pedal, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The Isuzu truck then swerved into the opposite lane and collided head-on with the oncoming Kia Bongo. The Suzuki motorcycle trailing behind was unable to avoid the crash and struck the right side of the Kia vehicle.
Rescue teams from the provincial and city governments of Digos rapidly responded, transporting the injured passengers to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital for urgent medical care. Sadly, the impact proved fatal for the Kia Bongo driver. Medical staff declared him dead at 8:45 a.m. on the same day.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities placed Alberto, the Isuzu truck driver, under police custody as they continue to investigate the case. Officials await the proper disposition of charges related to the accident.
Community members expressed shock over the event, emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety on the busy Davao-Cotabato national highway.
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