BUS, PICKUP TRUCK SMASHUP LEAVES 11 DEAD IN CAGAYAN

ELEVEN people on Thursday were killed in a road mishap involving a passenger bus and a pickup truck in Abulug, Cagayan.

Abulug chief of police Maj. Antonio Palattao identified the fatalities as pickup truck passengers Rodolfo Time Sr., wife Evelyn, son Rodolfo Jr., daughter-in-law Krisma Jane, and relatives Maryjane Time, Lovely Mangupag, Krisha Shane Time, Kimberly Mangupag, Rodalyn Time, and Angel Mangupag, all residents of Bgy. Daan-ili, Allacapan, Cagayan; and Esmeralda Israel, 16, of Bgy. Logac, Lal-lo, Cagayan.

The 11 victims died on the spot.

Investigation showed the pickup truck was entering the national highway from an inner road when it was accidentally hit by a GV Florida Transport bus at the Ayaga Junction in Bgy. Lucban in Abulug at about 1 a.m. Thursday.

According to Palattao, the passengers of the pickup truck, who are relatives, are heading home to Allacapan town from a funeral in Flora, Apayao while the bus is en route to Sta. Ana town from Baguio City, when the accident happened.

The bus dragged the pickup truck for about 20 meters, rammed stalls in a public market, and hit a bystander before crashing into a concrete fence.

Two other passengers of the pickup truck were severely injured and 23 passengers of the bus, including the driver and conductor, sustained minor injuries and were brought to the hospital for treatment.

Police said the bus driver is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.