8 dead in Zamboanga del Norte road mishap

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A light truck plunged into a ravine along the highway in Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte yesterday, leaving eight persons dead.

According to reports reaching the Zamboanga peninsula police office, a red Bonggo truck, which was loaded with copra and cases of bottled drinks, was on its way to Barangay Dicolom when the accident occurred in Barangay Mamawan at around 9 a.m.

The goods were supposed to be sold in nearby Labason town.

Initial investigation showed the driver lost control of the wheel when the brake malfunctioned.

Police said the fatalities – five women and three men – died at the scene due to the impact of the crash.

Residents helped retrieve the bodies of the victims.