6 dead, 11 hurt in Albay road mishap

LEGAZPI , Philippines  —   Six persons died and 11 others were injured in a multi-vehicle smashup in Daraga, Albay yesterday.

Five of the fatalities were identified as Carhlyn, 22, and Gina, 46, both surnamed Altavanpo, and residents of Barangay Malabog in Daraga; Viveth Buendia, 45, of Malabog also in Daraga; Sandy Bonsa, 41, and John Patrick Nomo, 24, both of Guinobatan, Albay.

The driver of a delivery truck, who remains unidentified, was declared dead on arrival at the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, where the injured were also taken for treatment. 

Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said initial investigation showed a delivery truck hit two other trucks then plowed into a jeepney, a car, a tricycle and three motorcycles along a sloped portion of the road in Barangay Malabog at about 9:51 a.m.

Senior Superintendent Benito Dipad Jr., Daraga police chief, said the driver could have lost control of the wheel when the brake malfunctioned.

”Maybe the driver went frantic and failed to switch off the engine,” Dipad said.