5 dead in collision in Talisay City, Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  At least five people were killed and about 15 others were injured when a 10-wheeler truck rammed into 13 vehicles in Lawaan 3, Talisay City, Cebu morning on Friday, December 3, 2021.

Among those killed is the driver of the truck, Benchin Udtohan, who passed away at the hospital.

Those who died on the spot were Jose Wendel Cataquez, 66; Paquito San Pedro, 29; Glenn Baclay 24; and an unidentified woman.

Among those injured were Nelo Rublica, 35; Rey Discos, 47; Evan Magaoay Reyna, 15; and Paquito San Pedro, Sr.

The others who sustained very minor injuries reportedly no longer filed a report with the police.

Initial investigation revealed that Udtohan lost control of the truck when the brakes failed and rammed into the vehicles in front of him, said Lt. Colonel Randy Caballes, the chief of the Talisay City Police.

The police spoke with Udtohan’s companion who was at the truck’s passenger seat.

"According sa investigator, during pag-interview, ang kani daw truck, gikan dinha sa flyover, dinha sa Tabunok… pagdulhog, wala nay break, mao na nga ang katong tanan nga naagian nga sakyanan, mao na ang mga naigo," Caballes said.

Udtohan’s truck hit a six-wheeler mini bus; five motorcycles, a bicycle, and five other vehicles.

Caballes said the area is not accident-prone.

"Lapad man sya nga dalan… nawad-an lang gyud og brake pagpadulhog sa flyover,” he said.

The owner of the truck has extended financial assistance to the family of the fatalities and those injured.

"Naa naman pud ang tag-iya sa truck nya initially, nag express na man sila og willingness para mu-support sa family sa victim," Caballes said.

Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas extended his condolences to the families of the casualties and asked for prayers for them.

“My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also ask everyone to pray with me sa malinawong kapahulayan sa mga namatay natong kaigsonan,” he said in a Facebook post.

Next Steps

Caballes said they will wait for the families of the victims to decide on the next steps to take but Gullas said he has instructed the police, as well as the city’s traffic czar, Joy Tumulak, to continue with the investigation.

“Following the accident, I have ordered Lt. Col. Randy Caballes, our police chief and our traffic czar, Joy Tumulak, to conduct an investigation on the incident, particularly the operator/owner of the truck. Though initially it was found that a 10-wheeler truck caused the accident, we will still investigate further especially the whereabouts of the truck boy whom allegedly fled the scene. His testimony would give a clearer picture on what happened since the driver passed away,” he said. – JMO (FREEMAN)