NINETEEN people died and 22 others were hurt after an Elf truck carrying them fell into a ravine in Conner town, Apayao province Thursday evening, October 31.

Police said the victims were residents of Barangay Lattut in Conner. They were on their way home from nearby Kalinga Province after receiving cash and seeds assistance from the government when the accident happened.

The fatalities were identified as Beverly, Jason, Brenda and Imelda, all surnamed Talay; Mamerto and Susan, both surnamed Milo; Amparo Aberion, 63; Domingo Asperela, 66; Pacita Dajucon; Mercy Gundan; Leticia Patay, 49; Conrado Subatan, 70; Claro Mamauag, 79; Rose Molina, Ludalina Molina, Fermelina Dacuycuy, Rudy Pagtama, Reymundo Sosa, 79; and Margie Agustin-Pamittan, 66.

Conner police chief Captain Manuel Canipas Jr. said that based on initial investigation, the Elf truck driven by Merlito Gannaban had a total of 44 passengers and sacks of rice seeds.

Canipas said the vehicle reportedly lost its brake while traversing Sitio Gassud in Barangay Karikitan, Conner, Apayao and plunged into a 20-meter ravine.

He said the accident happened because the truck was overloaded.

Those injured were rushed to the Conner District Hospital and Cagayan Valley Medical Center for treatment. (SunStar Baguio and Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)