BENGUET. Three died while six others were injured after a commuter van bound to Baguio City fell into a deep ravine more or less 300 meters at about 1:30 PM of January 30, 2018 when it overtook an elf truck and fell at Km. 57, Calasipan, Cattubo, Atok, Benguet along the Bontoc-Baguio road.
Personnel of Atok Municipal Police Station, BFP Atok, MDRRMC and employees of DPWH responded to the incident at about 1:50 pm.
Investigation disclosed that the Hi-Ace van with Plate No. AEN-382 owned and driven by Rey Carias Batong, 38, married, resident of Guinzadan Norte, Bauko, Mountain Province on board with eight passengers was on its way to Baguio City when the crash happened.
Mateo Elector Loy-odan Ngade, 34, mechanic, resident of Tadian, Mountain Province and Lourdes Payagda Balog-ang, 69, resident of #03 Purok 6, Irisan, Baguio City were declared dead on arrival by Dr. Faith Perez of Atok District Hospital. At about 4:40 PM of same day, the driver was declared dead by Perez.
The six other passengers who sustained injuries are Jessy Keth Cambolo Panisigan, 6, Grade 1 pupil of Star Colleges, Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet; Kyra Panisigan Batawang, 4; Glenda Panisigan Batawang, 41, resident of Lubas, La Trinidad; Marilyn Pacio Tomayo, 41, resident of Poliwes, Baguio City; Apolonia Pacalso, 68, resident of Bana-ao, Tadian and David Ingaan Caoili Jr., 59, resident of Bana-ao, Tadian.
After receiving initial treatment at the Atok District Hospital, Pacalso and Caoili Jr. were referred to Benguet General Hospital, La Trinidad while Glenda Panisigan Batawang, Jessy Keth Cambolo Panisigan and Kyra Panisigan Batawang were referred to Pines City Doctor’s Hospital, Baguio City
Rescue and retrieval operation ended at about 5:45 PM of the same day according to Atok Municipal Police Chief Inspector Cesar Malong. **Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
