Four Dead After Rescue Vehicle Falls Off Spillway in Zamboanga
Four people tragically lost their lives while 12 others survived when a rescue vehicle plunged off a spillway spanning a river in Barangay El Paraiso, La Libertad town, Zamboanga del Norte. The incident happened on Monday afternoon, marking a devastating day for the local communities involved.
Captain Henry Pescadero, the police chief of La Libertad, identified the victims as Nicanor Alforo Jr., 50, the village chief of Barangay Sinote in Dumingag town, Zamboanga del Sur; Roxan Calibugan, 50; Michelle Alforo, 25; and 12-year-old Nathan Alforo, all residents of Dumingag.
Accident Details and Investigation
According to local officials, the rescue vehicle was owned by the Dumingag local government and was transporting around 16 passengers from Calamba town, Misamis Occidental, after attending a community event. As the vehicle neared the spillway, its right front wheel detached unexpectedly. This mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle plunging into the river below.
The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m., prompting immediate response from authorities and civilian volunteers. They launched a rapid search and rescue operation, managing to pull 14 individuals from the water. The survivors and victims were rushed to Piñan District Hospital, where two passengers were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Recovery Efforts and Final Reports
Among the last recovered were village chief Alforo and young Nathan Alforo, both found deceased late in the afternoon. Jerry Cabasag from La Libertad’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that their bodies were discovered by a Barangay New Argao official around 5 p.m.
Cabasag added that the vehicle’s driver was unfamiliar with the spillway and the strong river currents, which contributed to the accident when the wheel fell off and rolled into the water. The La Libertad MDRRMO coordinated with the Dumingag local government to ensure proper transport and care for the rescued individuals.
This tragic event highlights the dangers posed by unfamiliar terrain and mechanical failures during rescue operations. Local leaders are urging increased caution and better vehicle maintenance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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