7 killed in Negros Occidental road mishap

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Seven people were killed while 17 others were injured when their truck rolled over in Silay City, Negros Occidental yesterday morning.

Five of the fatalities – Alexander Balili, 66; Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57; Eldie Naguita, 65; Richer Dimson, 52, and Leonillo Jerson, 38 – died at the scene of the accident that occurred in Barangay Guimbala-on.

Two others – Marlon Amarado, 36, and Jaime Bangis –died while being treated at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, according to Lt. Col. Mark Darocca, chief of the Silay City police.

Seventeen others were rushed to the nearby Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital for treatment. Five of them were reportedly in critical condition, Darocca said.

Reports said the truck, which is owned by the city government of Silay, was traveling near Hacienda Paho when it figured in the accident.

The passengers, who are employees and volunteer workers of the city government, came from a tree-planting activity in nearby Sitio Lantawan, according to Mayor Joedith Gallego.

Investigation showed that truck driver Hernane Masa lost control of the wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve and roll over.

Gallego assured families of the victims that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

He said the city government would provide financial and medical assistance to the victims and their families.