DUMP TRUCK PLOWS INTO VEHICLES, HOUSES IN LUCENA CITY; 4 DEAD, 7 HURT

A WAYWARD dump truck on Saturday night plowed into vehicles and houses along Maharlika Highway in Bgy. Isabang, Lucena City, Quezon leaving four people dead and seven others wounded.

The fatalities were identified as Sherwin Dela Cruz, 41, of Bgy. Ibabang Dupay; Roldan Ranillo, 37, of  Bgy. Mayao Silangan; Mark Panuelas of Bgy. Isabang,  all of Lucena City; and William Lorilla, the 34-year-old driver of the dump truck, and a resident of Kiwalo, Daraga, Albay.

Police said the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The dump truck was traversing Maharlika Highway  when upon reaching the intersection, the driver reportedly lost control of the wheels.

Witnesses said the dump truck struck six vehicles, including a tricycle, and hit three houses, and three more cars before landing on its side.

The impact caused the six vehicles to burst into flames.

Authorities said aside from the truck driver, among the fatalities were the two passengers of the tricycle, and a resident who was then inside the house.

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) rushed to the site  to contain the blaze and conduct rescue operations.

The wounded victims were brought to the hospital for treatment.

An investigation is ongoing.