5 dead in NLEX mishap

FIVE persons died and nine others were seriously injured after the passenger van they were riding flipped over along the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Barangay Tabuyoc, Apalit on Saturday, March 23.

The passengers, mostly overseas Filipino workers, were reportedly on their way to Clark International Airport when the left rear tire of the van exploded and caused the accident.

Superintendent Elmer Decena, Apalit chief of police, said some of the passengers were thrown out of the vehicle and fell down the NLEX viaduct, causing their immediate death.

The other fatalities were crushed inside the van, according to the police official.

The identities of the deceased passengers have yet to be released as of press time. Decena assured that they are coordinating with the victims' relatives.

The other nine passengers who survived the accident were immediately brought to different hospitals for treatment, Decena added.

Decena said the van driver, identified as John Leo Abad Jaylo, is under police custody for interrogation.