At least eight laborers died while eight others were injured when the timber-loaded vehicle they were riding in figured in an accident in Pitogo town of Zamboanga del Sur on Sunday.
Maj. Helen Galvez, spokesperson of the Zamboanga Peninsula regional police, said local investigators are eyeing mechanical problem as the reason why the Elf truck flipped on its side at around 2 p.m. in Purok 1 of Barangay Liguac on Sunday.
He identified the fatalities as Rey Alfornon, 24; Orlando Sabejon, 44; Noel Cabellon, 19; Berlindo Labador, 34; Edwin Delos Santos, 70; Marvin Hemang, 30; and Loui Jay Omandam, 34.
The eighth fatality is a 15-year old boy.
Galvez said the victims were transporting huge timbers being used in making boats when the accident occurred.
As a result, some of the laborers on board were either pinned or overthrown.
At least eight others were injured, according to Galvez.
“They were severely injured and were brought to the Hospital of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur,” said Galvez.
She said the truck driver surrendered to the responding policemen who took him to the local police station.
Criminal charges are now being readied against the driver. (Aaron Recuenco)