By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
Five people, including an infant, were killed and at least 20 others were hurt when a pickup truck and another six-wheeled elf truck collided past 4:00 AM Monday, December 5, in Barangay Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City.
According to the preliminary report from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), Julieto Jabagat, a resident of Baloi, Barangay Tablon, CDO, was driving the elf truck along the National Highway when it was hit by the pickup truck.
The pickup truck was carrying 21 members of the Pagtalunan family, who were returning home to Barangay Santa Ana, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, after attending their relative’s funeral in Zamboanga del Sur.
Furthermore, Jabagat claimed that he attempted to step on the brakes of the elf truck but was not able to stop the vehicle since the pickup truck had already hit him, which resulted in the fatal accident.
The pickup truck’s driver and four passengers died at the scene of the accident.
At least 20 people were hurt in the collision, and they were taken to a nearby hospital to receive proper medical attention.
Meanwhile, COCPO Police Station 6 traffic investigator Police Corporal (PCpl.) Rodulfo Abaday reported that Jabagat is now in their custody.
The elf truck driver will be facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property.
On the other hand, the dead bodies of the victims were brought to Bollozos Funeral Homes in the same city.