Two people died, and 14 others were injured, including nine critically, following a collision between a public utility jeepney (PUJ) and a cement mixer in Castilla, Sorsogon.
The accident occurred on Sunday, with the injured passengers, including the PUJ driver, currently receiving treatment at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital.
In an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo Legazpi, Edgar Ardales, head of Castilla’s Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), expressed gratitude for the swift assistance from the PNP, MDRRMO, and BFP, which helped in transporting the victims to the nearest hospital.
According to Castilla Municipal Police Spokesperson PCpl Airic Samonte, the jeepney lost control after its front tire burst, leading to the collision with the cement mixer.
The PUJ, carrying 16 passengers from Barangay Cumadcad en route to Sorsogon, collided with the cement mixer, which was heading toward Legazpi City.
Authorities are currently holding the cement mixer driver for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Despite the tragedy, officials have urged motorists to exercise caution when driving to prevent similar accidents in the future.