A VEHICULAR accident on the national highway in Barangay Guiboangan, Barili town, southwest Cebu, claimed the lives of two persons.
The incident occurred past 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
The two fatalities were identified as Valencia City, Bukidnon native Lilibeth Givera Deveras, 58, and local resident Irish Omagac, 14, who was struck by the vehicle as she was about to buy cooking oil from a store nearby.
According to Police Staff Sergeant Gilbert Encabo of Barili Police Station, the Toyota Hi-Ace van driven by Francis Cortez Pagatpat, 25, of Rijett Car Rental Services based in Barangay Sabang, Danao City, northern Cebu, had seven passengers on board, including three doctors, who were on their way to Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Bacolod City, where they will be assigned.
Encabo said that Pagatpat was overtaking another vehicle when he lost control of the steering wheel and crashed into Omagac and a tree.
At least six passengers suffered injuries.
They are Dr. Antonio Edson Natividad Enriquez, 26, Dr. Princess Dawn Sombreo Espina, 27, Dr. Kathlyn Genevere Mangasi, 28, from Valencia City, her brother Kurt Josh Gevenere Mangasi, 28, and Kurtly Herera Mangasi, 30., and Nevelle Deveras, 66, from Valencia City.
They were brought to a hospital in Cebu City for treatment.(BBT, TPT)