Seven Filipino-American doctors and nurses died after a van driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a mahogany tree.
The accident occurred at about noon today (Saturday, January 20) in Barangay Legaspi, Alegria town, Cebu.
The driver, Gilbert dela Cruz, aged 24, has been arrested after admitting that he was asleep when the tragedy occurred.
Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB, local police chief, Senior Inspector Efren Diaz, said: “We are still obtaining further information about the accident. We’re still determining the speed of the car moments before the crash occurred.
“The driver denied he is a drug user, but he claimed he just lacked sleep.”
The doctors and nurses were due to begin a medical mission in Camiguin province on Monday. However, today they had been taking the opportunity to explore some of the island’s tourist hotspots. They had already visited Oslob for whale shark watching and were on the way to the Kawasan Falls in Badian when tragedy struck.
Six passengers of the Toyota Grandia were declared dead on arrival at Reinhard Wirtgen Memorial Hospital in Barangay Poblacion, Alegria, while a seventh passenger died in Malabuyoc District Hospital. Three survivors are now being treated at the Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City.
The fatalities have been named as Aurora Gagni, Joseph Huang, Juvelia Huang, Nunilo Rubio, Rey Pascual, Diana Pascual and Berniti Rojas. Two of the survivors have been identified as Leonor Tsai and Fred Tsai.
All of the passengers lived and worked in New York and Chicago.
Dela Cruz, who was suffered only minor injuries in the smash, will face complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries.
Thank you for the information. our sincere sympathy for the families of the dead brothers & sisters whose gone to our Lord. May they rest in peace. Amen
Our prayers for all that survived the accident, for complete healing and comfort.
This will serve as a lesson for many to check the condition of the driver prior to riding the vehicle – are they alert, do they look tipsy or on drugs, are they experienced drivers ……. what a tragedy and senseless loss of lives ….
Anyone who drives in the Philippines knows that the most aggressive, careless drivers are in buses & in big vans like the Grandia in this story.
And those are the vehicles that keep getting in the news because of passengers being killed in wrecks.
When will the police finally start to enforce safe driving laws?
Let’s see how the investigation goes. It could be that the passengers who hired him did not give him ample time to rest/ sleep/ take a break.
So sorry to hear about this. I knew Joseph and Juvelia Huang from NY. My sincere condolences to their children and to Steve Huang.
Please update us on the condition of Dr. Elenita Ignacio Rubio and company.
We will try.
Our condolences to the families of our departed brothers ans sisters. Eternal rest grant unto them and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about this. I knew Doctor Huang. Such a nice man. Don’t understand how anyone could drive on one hour of sleep. It’s on the driver for not speaking up sooner.
Dr Joseph hung was my doctor .I don’t know how I going manage without him. He was like a counselor family member I don’t know I miss him so much.
Dr. Joseph Huang was our family doctor for 28 years. His wife was the billing manager and his entire team was so loving, attentive and caring. They were like family to us! This is a tremendous loss to our community here in the Bronx. So very tragic. My heart aches. My prayers for the elevation of the spirits to all who lost their lives as well as their families. Prayers up! The Capote Family
Dr. Huang was our family doctor for 31years. He treated my children from birth to adulthood. I saw him 2 days before he left for vacation and wished him well. I am beyond heartbroken. He was an amazing doctor , but more so a wonderful human being. He, his wife and Ray always put their patients first. The loss to the community will be felt for a lifetime. My condolences to Dr. Jen, her siblings, his brother Steven and all their family in friends. Thank you Dr. Huang for your dedication to us. We always felt as though we were being cared by family. May you all Rest in Eternal Peace. Until we meet again.
Dr. Huang was my kids doctor from birth to adulthood I am devasted by the loss of such a good doctor this really breaks my heart.
My condolences to Dr. Joseph Huang’s family. I am heartbroken. A true humanitarian.