EIGHTEEN people, including infants and children, were injured when the vehicle they were riding overturned along the national highway in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.
The Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office said the incident happened around 8:40 p.m. Saturday, September 22, in Sitio Talaban, Barangay Biayon, Sergio Osmeña town.
The police identified the victims as: Rosalinda Randez, 60; Maria Cristina Mandalunes, 40; Leo Taclap, 40; Flora Taclap, 40; Jancin Taclap, 4; Shelby Taclap, 10; Shemaine Taclap, 9; Ljihem Taclap, 2; Floresa Gloria, 50; Gerald Laput, 25; Bernadeth Limare, 22; Covie Limare, 3; Louie Limare, 22; Timothy Limare, 1; Briget Limare, 27; Ferick Quiamjot, 60; Carmen Quiamjot, 60; and Kevin Hugo, 22.
Investigation showed the victims were aboard a passenger van driven by Ferdinand Oganera, 37, when it overturned and overshot on a curved road while traveling from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur to Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The police said the vehicle overshot on the curved road when Oganera lost control of the steering wheel after he drove past another vehicle.
The police said the injured passengers were brought to the Zamboanga Del Norte Medical Center and Dipolog Medical Center.
The driver of the ill-fated vehicle was temporarily detained at the Sergio Osmeña Municipal Police station for proper disposition. The vehicle was still at the accident site, said police. (SunStar Philippines)