AT LEAST eight people were killed and several others were injured in a fatal vehicular collision in Babatngon, Leyte Friday morning, May 17.

The traffic accident happened about 6:15 a.m. along Sitio Tab-ang, District 3, involving a utility van and six-wheeler truck, according to an initial police report.

The utility van was driven by Rodel Ecat, of legal age and a resident of Barangay Rizal in Babatngon.

His vehicle was loaded with 18 passengers while the six-wheeler truck was driven by Wenwen De Leon, a resident of North Cotabato with helper on board.

Initial investigation disclosed that the van was travelling coming from Babatngon to Tacloban City while the truck was in the opposite direction when upon reaching the said barangay both vehicles collided. The strong impact caused the two vehicles to overturn, resulting to the death of eight passengers and the injury of 11 others.

The eight victims were declared dead on the spot by Dr. Julieta Conge, municipal health officer of Babatngon.

The truck driver and his rider sustained injuries and were immediately brought to a hospital in Tacloban.

Babatngon police are still conducting follow-up investigation for the identity of the passengers. (SunStar Philippines)