9 dead in Misamis Oriental road accident

BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental, Philippines — Police said nine persons were confirmed dead and several others were injured when an Elf truck rolled over in Sitio Bagaay, Barangay Baliwagan in this town yesterday.

Barangay kagawad Jojo Dalman said the victims were barangay workers and their family members, all residents of Barangay Aposkahoy in Claveria.

Dalman said there were 43 passengers of the truck, who were on their way to Del Carmen Resort in Lagonglong.

In an interview in a local radio station, M/Sgt. Roel Pabatao said the fatalities and the injured have yet to be identified.

Quoting a police report, Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar, Northern Mindanao police spokesperson, said the accident occurred when the driver of the truck lost control of the wheel.

Probers said initial information they received from survivors was that the brakes malfunctioned.

An investigation is underway.