Eight killed in North Cotabato road mishap involving eight vehicles

December 5, 2024 | Newsline Philippines

DAVAO CITY – A ten-wheeler truck caused the fatal tragedy in Purok Rambutan, Malasila, North Cotabato, early Thursday morning, December 5, when a truck lost control and crashed into seven other vehicles.

The accident claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a person with a disability who was inside their house when the truck veered off the road.

The crash occurred around 7:00 a.m. as the ten-wheeler truck, carrying 450 sacks of fertilizer, was en route to Kidapawan City. Authorities reported that the truck experienced brake failure, which led to the devastating collision.

Among the fatalities were five-year-old kindergarten pupil Jeremiah Pamplona and his parents, residents of Purok Crasher, Patulangon. The family had just dropped off their elder children at a high school building before the tragic incident.

Seven died on the spot while another one was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The Makilala Police identified the fatalities as :

1. Joel Pamplona, 35, Malasila, North Cotabato

2. Christina Pamplona, 37, Malasila, North Cotabato

3. Jeremiah Pamplona, 5 , Malasila, North Cotabato

4. Leoplodo Ybañez (driver), Tagbac, Magpet, North Cotabato

5. Benjamin Ganub, Barangay Malasila, North Cotabato

6. Jeralyn Bangcot (dead-on-arrival) Barangay Kisante

7. Carlo Dejucos, 34, Barangay Lanao, Kidapawan City

8. Jeomar Pagaran Ramirez, Davao City.

The injured were identified as 1. Airie Toledo, 32, Malasila 2. Dannie Jay Babor, 23, Digos City 3. Joseph Cabaña, Digos City 4. Anna Marie Caparida, 31, Kisante 5. Christian Jay Caparida, 36, Kisante 6. Eulan Espacio, 47, Toril, Davao City.

The truck driver, identified as Leopardo Bañez, was also among those killed.

Six people remain hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the crash. One victim was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, bringing the death toll to eight.

Lieutenant Colonel Rolly Oranza, Chief of Police in Makilala, shared insights into the crash.
“The truck driver, Leopardo Bañez, was reportedly aware of the brake malfunction. According to the truck helper, Bañez continued to operate the vehicle and lost control, leading to the accident,” Oranza explained.

The crash occurred near a public school in an area known to be accident-prone due to a gradual road descent, poor signage, lack of barriers, and uneven surfaces.

Similar tragedy

Local residents described the aftermath as horrifying.
“I was speechless seeing a headless child and blood everywhere,” said Jay Tarife, a resident who witnessed the chaotic scene.

Tarife also recalled a similar incident at the same location on April 2, 2017, when a ten-wheeler truck carrying soft drinks lost control and collided with a motorbike, killing five people on the spot.

The Makilala Police Traffic Division has launched an investigation into the crash.

Colonel Oranza emphasized the need for caution, especially in unfamiliar or hazardous road conditions.
“Every motorist should drive with caution and adhere to road rules and traffic signs to avoid accidents like this,” Oranza said.

The incident highlights persistent dangers in accident-prone areas like Malasila and requires the urgent need for improved infrastructure, proper road signage, barriers, regular maintenance, and community education campaigns focusing on road safety and the importance of following traffic rules.

Many road accidents in Makilala occur during the early morning hours or late at night due to poor visibility and reduced traffic enforcement. The descending slope of the Malasila road, combined with uneven surfaces and inadequate barriers, has caused recurring accidents.

The fatalities were immediately brought to Collado Funeral Homes.