Jeep figures in Pinukpuk accident: 4 killed, 1 critically hurt inTabuk road mishap

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Four people were killed while one was critically injured following a head on collision between a tricycle loaded with students and a speeding passenger van along the provincial road of the village of Appas here evening of July 13.

Supt. Francisco Bulwayan, city police chief identified the fatalities as tricycle driver Marco Tamayo and his passengers Michael Bactad, JomelLacuarta and AbegailBelgica.

In critical condition at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital was Shanee Mae Belgica the latter's sister.

Reports said the white van driven by a certain Kerubin Winnie Banosan was overtaking another vehicle when he collided with the tricycle of the victims on the opposite lane.

Police said the collision detached the tricycle's sidecar from the motorcycle and were both thrown on a ricefield after being dragged almost 40 meters from the point of impact since the van did nor reduce speed or stop.

Witnesses took the van's plate number as BVS 594 and was later known to be registered to a certain Lydia Sipsip.

Authorities have placed the van driver under manhunt after he fled from the site.

“Our police operatives are now conducting manhunt operation against the driver who fled,” said Senior Supt. Victor Wanchakan, Kalinga Police Provincial Office director, referring to Kerubin.

Wanchakan said probers have a witness from a single motorcycle tailing the victims’ tricycle, who claimed that the van had veered to the opposite lane to overtake a Pajero when it rammed into the tricycle.

Earlier, three people were hurt after their passenger jeep overturned in the mountainous village of Limos, Pinukpuk, Kalinga. 

Police said driver Vicente Dumag 31 lost control of the steering wheel while negotiating downhill of a loosely graveled road before it overturned.

Hurt were Dumag and his passengers Jinky Palangdao 26, a midwife; and Emilda Agustin 47.