Bukidnon—A devastating accident unfolded on the rainy afternoon of December 19, 2024, when a Nissan Urban UV Express van collided with a Mitsubishi Fuso 4WD truck carrying sugarcane along Sayre Highway, Sitio Bulotano, Lantay, Pangantucan.
The collision, which occurred on a bridge, resulted in the van being nearly pushed off the edge, while the truck overturned due to the head-on impact. The force of the crash was so severe that bodies of the van’s passengers were thrown into the river below, and the vehicle itself was left mangled beyond recognition.
Initial investigations revealed that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the truck’s brakes failed approximately 60 meters from the point of impact. Tragically, all passengers and the driver of the van are believed to have perished in the crash. Meanwhile, the driver of the truck survived and is now under hospital arrest. Authorities have indicated that the truck driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides.
As of this writing, the identities of the deceased have not yet been determined. The accident has cast a shadow of grief over the approaching holiday season, leaving the victims’ families to mourn during what should have been a festive time.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances leading up to the crash. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and road safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions.