3 dead, 15 hurt in expressway mishap

BATANGAS, Philippines —Three persons died and 15 others were injured when their van crashed along the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road or STAR tollway in Lipa City yesterday morning.

The fatalities were identified as Maxine Vivas, 17; Ma. Kristina Paula, 18, and van driver Danilo Manalo, 68. The injured were brought to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed the driver lost control of the wheel when one of the tires burst in Barangay Bugtong.

The victims are students of the De la Salle High School in Lipa. The school reportedly provided the van to bring the students to Batangas City.– Arnell Ozaeta