5 dead, 15 hurt as bus rams parked truck

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – At least five people, including a two-year-old boy, died on the spot while 15 others were injured when a Bicol-bound bus of Bragais Liner rammed the back of a parked 10-wheeler truck loaded with scrap metal along the Maharlika Highway in Libmanan, Camarines Sur early yesterday morning, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Victor Deona, Bicol police director, identified the fatalities as Alexander Belen; Jayson Purita, 23; Cindy Garcia, 17; Arnelli Dacullo and his two-year-old son Mark Kevin.

Those injured were rushed to the Libmanan District Hospital and Bicol Medical Center in Naga City.

Deona said the truck owned by Pacific Royal Basic Foods Inc. was parked on the right lane of the highway due to mechanical trouble when the bus rammed it.

The bus driver, Joey Bermas, 42, was detained at the Libmanan police station for further investigation. – With Celso Amo, Cecille Suerte Felipe