Seven government employees of Silay City in Negros Occidental died, while 17 others were injured when a mini dump truck they were riding on fell on its side in Sitio San Juan, Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, at about 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 27.
The city government’s dump truck was traversing a downhill section of the road when its brakes failed causing it to swerve and fall on the cement pavement.
Bodies scattered on the road were covered with banana leaves by residents while waiting for rescuers to arrive.
The government employees were returning from a tree planting activity in Sitio Lantawan, Brgy Patag, which he had also attended, Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego said.
Dead on the spot were Alexander P. Balili, 62, Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57, Eldie N. Naguita, 65 , Azucena A. Dimson, 52, and Leonillo M. Jerson, 38, the police said
Marlon D. Amarado, 36, and Jayme R. Bangis, 60, died at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, the police added.
It was alleged that the dumptruck was overloaded.
Injured were Cosme Premaylon, 55; Mario Donieza, 59; Felomino Aquino, 49; Arthur Gonzales, 47; Jerkin Acuña, 43; Randy Dela Banda, 50; Mark Rebelala, 32; Aaron Andrade, 59; Edgar Premaylon, 51; Joseph Mondejar, 54; Rizalino Hugos, 62; Arturo Ardiente, 58; Bienvenido Gallego, 61; Louien Acuña, 48; Julius Tomco, 57; and Ronie Molabin, 53, the police said.
The driver of the dumptruck identified as Hernane Masa, 53, of Silay City, was also injured.
“These individuals had just concluded their participation in a tree-planting activity at Sitio Lantawan, an act that reflects their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and community service” Gallego said.
The City Government is in close coordination with the Philippine National Police, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the City Health Office, and other relevant agencies to extend all necessary support, medical attention, and financial assistance to the victims and their immediate families, Gallego said.
“This tragic occurrence has brought immeasurable grief to our community. It is a moment of collective mourning for all Silaynons,” he said.
He assured the public “that a thorough and impartial investigation will be undertaken to ascertain the root cause of this tragic event, with the end in view of ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future”.*