7 Dead, 15 injured after mini dump truck falls into ravine in Sultan Kudarat

DAVAO CITY (August 7) — Victims were returning home from Sultan Kudarat to Maguindanao del Norte when the accident happens where seven people died and at least 15 others were injured when a mini dump truck they were riding plunged into a ravine along Highway 70, Sitio Platacan, Barangay Christianuevo, in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat Province late Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred at around 5:30 p.m., as the victims were reportedly returning home to Maguindanao del Norte after a visit to Sultan Kudarat.

According to authorities, the mini dump truck was carrying around 30 passengers when the driver lost control, sending the vehicle off the highway and down a steep cliff. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but responders faced difficulty accessing the victims due to the ravine’s depth and treacherous terrain.

Confirmed Fatalities:

• Tods Mamintala
• Tires (no other details provided)
• Babylyn Sahipa, 14
• Aling Sahipa, 50
• Muhammad Digan
• Muhammad Macarimbang
• Ramon Manoo, 40

Identified Injured Victims:

1. Saidamin Omar, 20
2. Umbos Uteng, 33
3. Musib Nakan, 55
4. Bens Takpan, 51
5. Ayreen Takpan, 16
6. Haya Matabalao, 14
7. Ibrahim Ambolodto, 24
8. Johair Omar, 18
9. Alvin Adam (age not provided)
10. Arbaina Ambolodto, 14
11. Morsalin Degan (age not provided)
12. Aiman Pending, 19
13. Haya Bansalan, 14
14. Samsudin Ambolodto, 34
15. Bibi Takpan, 15

All injured passengers were rushed to South Upi District Hospital for immediate treatment.

Local government units, emergency responders, and volunteers are continuing retrieval and clearing operations as of press time. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the crash, though overloading and mechanical failure are being considered.

The provincial government has extended its condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of assistance. Further investigation is ongoing.