Four dead after jeepney carrying funeral mourners runs out of control

jeepney
Jeepeny Filled With Funeral Mourners, Drives Out of Control Killing Four in Maco, Compostela Valley – file photo – www.plnmedia.com

So far at least four people have been killed after a jeepeny packed full with funeral mourners slammed into a concrete barrier along the Tagum-Mati Highway in Maco, Compostela Valley on Monday evening.

An initial report says that eight others suffered injuries following the 6pm accident.

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The victims are all said to be residents of Maniki Village in Kapalong, Davao del Norte and were on their way home from a beach resort after attending a funeral.

Three of the four have been identified in the accident, they include Elizabeth and Ronald Orallo and Perfect Baquino.

Witnesses said the jeepney careened along the highway before hitting the centre island, catapulting many passengers out of their seated position. There were also several people were sitting on top of the vehicle.

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“We heard a loud thud and saw the Lawin-type jeep hit against the centre island and topple on its right side,” said Roy Macul, a witness.

Plates, kettles and other kitchenware were strewn on the pavement and one of the front tires was torn off, he added.

The impact was so severe it tore the side of the centre island, toppling the lamp post. Eyewitnesses said the jeepney was travelling at speed.

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Police say the jeepney originated in Mabini, Compostela Valley and had 38 people on board.

Three victims died while being treated at Davao Regional Medical Hospital and the fourth died on Tuesday.

In another accident in Compostela Valley on Monday morning, 15 people were injured after two transport vans collided into one another in Monkayo, Compostela Valley. 

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