Eight persons were killed and five others were injured when the brakes of the vehicle they were riding in allegedly failed on a downhill slope while on the way to a cemetery in Barangay Tiguib, Ayungon, Negros Oriental at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
The fatal crash involved a yellow Suzuki Easyride 4×4, driven by Juan Maratas, 56, a resident of Dumaguete City.
The vehicle was carrying several passengers en route to the Tiguib Public Cemetery to commemorate the death anniversary of a relative.
The Suzuki was descending a steep downhill slope when its brakes allegedly failed suddenly. The driver, who survived the incident, said that he lost control of the vehicle when the brakes gave way, causing it to roll down rocky terrain.
The injured were immediately rushed to the Bindoy District Hospital, while the cadavers of the fatalities were turned over to their families.
One male and seven females, including a barangay health worker (BHW), died.
They were identified as Edwin Deguit Sr., 63; Zenaida Sabanal, 60 plus; Libby De Jesus, 71; Ernesta Villasco; Anabelle Devero; BHW Elphy Deguit, 46; Chinly Magalso, 42; and Artilana Deguit, 71, Lt. Stephen Polinar, Negros Oriental police spokesman, said.
Injured was the driver, two female minors aged 9 and 13, Fibronia Agcaoili, 47, of Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, and Dehino Maylinda, 48.*