Seven dead, one injured in Tupi road accident

DAVAO CITY – Seven members of a family lost their lives, and one was injured when an L-300 van lost its brakes in Purok Lote, Barangay Cebuano, Tupi, South Cotabato, at around 3:00 p.m. today, December 23, 2024.

The victims, residents of Cagayan de Oro City, were on vacation in Polomolok and had been visiting a tourist destination known as the “Land of Praise” in Barangay Masangyaw, Tupi.

According to the Tupi Police’s initial investigation, the family was on their way home from Polomolok when the van’s brakes failed on a steep and accident-prone section of the road. The vehicle went out of control, leading to the tragic crash.

The victims, all members of the Maglinte family, were identified as:

• Annabel Maglinte, 52 years old (mother)
• Joel Maglinte (father)
• Johan Maglinte, 28 years old
• Doque Maglinte (brother)
• Ike Maglinte
• Two minors, aged 7 and 8

All eight individuals were rushed to the Tupi Municipal Hospital. Tragically, seven of them were declared dead on arrival.

The lone survivor, identified as the driver, Oiver Maglinte, 26 years old, sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the vehicle’s brakes had malfunctioned, causing the driver to lose control. The steep road where the accident occurred is well-known for being hazardous.

Local officials are coordinating with the victims’ family members to arrange for the transfer of the deceased to a funeral home. Further investigations into the accident are ongoing.