6 dead in Tagaytay road mishap

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Six persons were killed when a car burst into flames after it hit a concrete barrier and several trees along the highway in Tagaytay City yesterday morning.

Supt. Ferdinand Quirante, Tagaytay City police chief, identified one of victims as Rodalyn Bautista, 17, a student and resident of Imus, Cavite.

Quirante said two women and four men, including the driver, were onboard the red Toyota Vios with license plate AHA 5287.

The car had just stopped at a convenience store in Silang, Cavite and the passengers were on their way to the Tagaytay public market when the accident occurred along the Tagaytay-Calamba Road in Barangay San Jose.

Sr. Supt. Eliseo Cruz, Cavite police director, said probers believe the driver lost control of the vehicle and the car crossed to the opposite lane then rammed the concrete barrier and the trees.

The passengers were trapped inside the burning vehicle that later exploded, Cruz said.

He said elements of the Silang Police Community Precinct, who were first on the scene, together with officials of Barangay San Jose and the Tagaytay rescue team tried to rescue the passengers but the car exploded.

The remains of the victims were brought to the Mel Funeral services in Bulihan, Silang, Cavite.

He said the police are investigating the incident and looking for witnesses.

Investigators are also looking for possible video footages from closed circuit television cameras installed near the site of the mishap. With Arnell Ozaeta