Truck falls down ravine; three killed

TUBA, Benguet – Three passengers of a truck loaded with fresh Benguet highland vegetables were killed when the vehicle fell into a 200-foot ravine along Camp 3, barangay here minutes before noon Thursday.

Benguet police director Senior Supt. Loreto Espinelli identified fatalities as Roberto Manlongad Sr. and his namesake-son Roberto Jr., and another one whose identity was not known as of press time.

Authorities said the wayward Fuzo truck (UAL155) bound for Manila hit several road signs before falling into the ravine along Kennon Road.

It was often the site of highway accidents especially among overloaded trucks whose braking systems can no longer withstand its heavy loads.

Rafael Valencia, head of the rescue group 911-on-call said the fatalities were almost dismembered from the impact of the fall.

The victims were extricated from the truck.