TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – At least 19 people died while 22 others were injured when an Isuzu Elf truck plunged into a 20-meter deep ravine in Sitio Gassud, Barangay Karikitan, Conner, Apayao province, on Halloween.
Police Captain Manuel Canipas Jr., Conner town chief of police, said the a white Isuzu Elf (HRM 189) owned by Merlito Culili Gannaban and driven by Maytofor Datul, 39, with 43 passengers on board fell into ravine at about 7 p.m., Thursday or five hours before All Saint’s Day.
The truck came from Rizal, Cagayan, where the victims took free sacks of palay and corn seeds given by the government.
The 19 fatalities were identified as Amparo Aberion, Domingo Asperela, Hermalina Dacuycuy, Pacita Dajucon, Mercy Gundan, Ciano Mamauag, Mamerto Milo, Susana Milo,Ludalina Molina, Rosemarie Molina, Rudy Pagtama, Margie Pamittan, Leticia Patay, Conrado Sabatan, Reymundo Sosa, Brenda talay, Imelda Talay and Jayson Talay, all residents in Barangay Lattut, Rizal, Cagayan; and one Aida Battaliones, SK chairman of Barangay Allangigan, Conner, Apayao.
Investigators learned that the truck loaded with sacks of palay and corn seeds was ascending the road going to Conner proper when its engine shut off, causing the vehicle to fall into ravine.
“Upon learning of the accident, our police personnel, health staff, the local DRRM rescue personnel, firemen and other volunteers immediately responded and brought the victims to Conner District Hospital,” he said.
However, 19 of the passengers were declared dead on arrival at the hospital while 22 others were admitted for confinement.
The town police chief said that 11 of the 22 injured persons were transferred to Cagayan Valley Medical Center in Tuguegarao City for further medical intervention.
He said follow-up investigation is ongoing. (Freddie G .Lazaro)
