Truck falls into ravine; 3 killed

Tuba, Benguet , Philippines  – A truck loaded with fresh Benguet highland vegetables fell into a 200-foot ravine along Camp 3, barangay here minutes before noon yesterday killing all of its passengers.

Rescuers and Benguet police director Senior Superintendent Loreto Espinelli named the fatalities as Roberto Manlongad Sr. and his namesake-son Roberto Jr., and another one whose identity is still being ascertained.

Authorities said the wayward Fuzo truck (UAL155) loaded with vegetables bound for Manila hit several road signs before falling into the ravine along Kennon Road, often the site of highway mishaps especially among overloaded trucks whose braking systems can no longer withstand its heavy loads.

Rafael Valencia, head of the rescue group 911-on-call said the three fatalities were almost dismembered from the impact of the fall. 

The still to be ascertained victims were extricated from the truck more than two hours after the fall, claimed Valencia explaining they were hard up in bringing out the victims from the wrecked truck.   – Artemio Dumlao