A speeding van that allegedly lost its brakes caused the deaths of six people and wounded several others in a shocking road accident in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur at around 12 p.m. on Tuesday.
A police report said the crash at the national highway in Barangay Paglaum (not Poblacion as reported earlier) occurred when a speeding silver metallic passenger van lost its brakes, hit a motorcycle and rammed into a parked wing van.
The van was bound for Pagadian City from Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The impact pushed the wing van forward, causing it to collide with a moving Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with sidecar, whose driver sustained minor injuries.
Responders found the van’s front portion severely damaged, with its driver trapped in the wreckage.
Five victims – three men and two women – died on the spot due to severe injuries.
Dr. Patrick Kean Toledo, of the Dumalinao Rural Health Unit, confirmed the deaths of the five passengers and the van driver, who died in the hospital.
The other injured individuals, including passengers and motorcycle riders, were rushed to hospitals in Pagadian City for immediate medical treatment.
The total number of injured was still unknown as of posting time.
Authorities said all vehicles involved were secured as investigation continues to determine liability.