2 killed, 8 hurt as truck falls off Negros cliff

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines – Two vendors were killed while eight others were injured when their truck fell into a ravine in Don Salvador Benedicto town, Negros Occidental Saturday night.

Joseph Antiquando, 32, died on the spot, while Dante Artajo, 32, died while being treated at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City.

Injured were Cecilia Ogatis, 67; Johnny Labrador, 34; Boboy Sandiban, 33; Julio Mahilum, 33; Julie Talabucon, 25; Marvin Gitana, 18; Ken Redoblado, 15, and Govani Antiquando, 14, all of Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City.

Senior Inspector Celjun Nemenio, town police chief, said truck driver Joel Imbon, 20, lost control of the Isuzu Forward truck while negotiating a downhill road in Purok Talos, Barangay Igmayaan. 

Nemenio said the victims were on their way to the Libertad Market in Bacolod City when the accident happened at about 10:30 p.m.

The two fatalities reportedly jumped off the truck as it swerved on the highway.

Imbon surrendered to the Don Salvador Benedicto police station.