By FREDDIE LAZARO, LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
AURORA, Isabela — Nine people were killed and six others injured in a three-vehicle accident along the national highway in Barangay San Pablo, Aurora town, early Saturday morning, July 19.
Police said the fatalities include Oseas Calderon, driver of a Toyota Hi-Ace van, and three of his passengers: Niches Heizle Cagayongan, Claribel Maling, and Jing Romboa — all residents of Barangay Bulo in Tabuk City, Kalinga.
Five other dead passengers from the same van remain unidentified.
According to police, the collision happened around 2:45 a.m. and involved a six-wheel FAW truck bound for Santiago City, driven by October de Leon of Echague, Isabela, and two Toyota Hi-Ace vans traveling from Baguio City to Tabuk City.
Based on initial investigation, the truck veered into the opposite lane, sideswiping the first van (DBY 3744), driven by Ron Ron Onalan of Barangay Danao Lacnog, Tabuk City, before slamming head-on into the second van (NID 2665), which absorbed the brunt of the crash. All eight fatalities were aboard this vehicle.
Injured victims include two passengers from the first van and truck driver De Leon, who was transported to Family Clinic in Cabatuan for treatment.
De Leon was already out of the hospital and is now under police custody.
Emergency response teams brought the victims to Roxas District Hospital, Padron-Tibio Medical Clinic, and other nearby facilities.
Authorities suspect human error as the cause of the incident, though a formal investigation is underway.
The truck is now in police custody pending legal proceedings.
In a statement, the Provincial Government of Kalinga expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the victims’ families and offering support.
“This heartbreaking event serves as a solemn reminder for everyone to prioritize safety and vigilance on the road,” the statement said, urging the public to pause and pray for the departed.
