16 hurt in crash along Benguet-Ifugao road

KABAYAN, Benguet – Sixteen passengers including the driver were seriously hurt when the van they were riding in rammed a boulder on a mountainside here Tuesday around 7:30 a.m. at the one-way ascending portion of Benguet-Ifugao road in Tuidan, Ballay.

The vehicle, an Isuzu H Spur L300 van bearing plate no. TRL 572, was driven by Michael L. Timpicao, 36, of Samoyao, La Trinidad, Benguet. The driver who also owned the vehicle  only had a temporary professional driver’s license.

 Police said the van came from Ambuclao, Bokod, Benguet and was on its way to Barangay Tawangan, Kabayan, with 16 passengers including the driver to attend an ordination of Pastor Nap Lumecio, when the engine of the vehicle suddenly stopped causing it to slip backwards, swerved left, rammed and climbed into the boulder on the mountain side of the road, tumbled and rested left side up in the road.

 All the passengers were brought to Abatan Lutheran Hospital located at Buguias, Benguet by Kabayan Municipal Health Office Ambulance, and Kabayan Emergency vehicle.

Except for Luis Dagano Jr. 35, of Poblacion, Tinoc, Ifugao, all victims were  residents of Baguilin, La Union.

They were identified as follows;  Romy Satur, 55;Fred Cabillo, 26; Rosa Tombagan, 60; Melody Sibayan, 42; Dorie Baguling, 52; Victor Sibayan, 43; 8) Victor Sibayan Jr, 21; George Bugtong, 40; Beleno Nang-is; Fredo Cabillo, 26; Rafy Batil, 25; Daryl Batil 20; Marie Cayamcam, 17 and Cristy Canuto, 25.

The victims were advised to file formal complaint against the driver but they declined. The vehicle had dents on its right door passenger side, and right side.