WRECKED. Bystanders look at the wrecked pick-up truck, one of the 14 vehicles which figured in a pileup on Friday (Sept. 23, 2022) in Tupi, South Cotabato. Two, including a child, died while 17 others were injured. (Photo courtesy of Rolly Doanne Aquino)
KORONADAL CITY – Two persons, including a child, were killed while 17 others were injured when a 10-wheeler truck carrying a container van crashed into 14 vehicles along the national highway in Tupi, South Cotabato, officials said Saturday.
In a report, the Tupi Municipal Police said the incident happened around 5:47 p.m. Friday in Barangay Poblacion.
The police identified the two fatalities as Dimalodin Makasaehe, 28, and his six-year-old son, both on board a motorcyle. They were declared dead on arrival by an attending physician.
Emil Sumagaysay, Tupi Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, said Saturday the multi-vehicle smash-up happened after Albert Zambrano, 26, lost control of the truck’s steering wheel while traveling from General Santos City to this city.
“A police report revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle when the brake system malfunctioned and rammed into at least 14 vehicles,” Sumagaysay said in an interview.
The vehicles rammed by the 10-wheeler truck include three Sports Utility Vehicles, five motorcycles, a tricycle, three pick-up trucks, and a bus.
Sumagaysay said the 17 injured victims were brought to Tupi municipal hospital.
“The severely injured victims were referred to the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital for further treatment,” he added.
Rolly Aquino, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of South Cotabato, assured the victims would receive assistance from the provincial government. (PNA)
