3 die in Quezon province road mishap

TIAONG, Quezon, Philippines — Three people including minors died while seven others were injured in a smashup involving three vehicles in this town before dawn yesterday.

Guillermo Catamco Jr. and minors Angelou Palacio and Leo Montecalbo, all residents of Masbate, died at the scene of the accident that occurred at around 3:30 a.m. in Barangay Talisay.

Rushed to the hospital for treatment of injuries were Eric Atienza, 51; Jean Cabacus, 12; Rex Cañete, 27; Lenie Dizon, 52; Sandy Flores, 13; Nasser Lominog, 34, and Roshan Pelayo, 3.

Reports said a Mitsubishi X-pander and a Toyota van driven by Francus Ramos and Emgee Compuesto, respectively, were traveling southbound along Maharlika Highway.

Initial investigation showed the van tried to overtake, but it hit the X-pander and collided with a Bicol Isarog bus driven by Anthony Nazareno.

The fatalities and the injured victims were all passengers of the van, which fell on its side during the accident. Investigation is ongoing.