Three dead as van plunges into 300-meter ravine in Benguet

January 31, 2018

LA TRINIDAD – Two passengers of a van died while the driver succumbed at the hospital when a van plunged into a 300-meter ravine along Kilometer 57, Calasipan, Cattubo, Atok, Benguet at around 1:30 pm Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

Mechanic Mateo Elector Loy-odan Ngade, 34, from Tadian, Mt. Province and Lourdes Payagda Balog-ang, 69, from Purok 6, Irisan, Baguio City did not reach the hospital alive.

Driver Rey Carias Batong, 38, from Guinzadan Norte, Bauko, also in Mt. Province died more than two hours later at the Atok District Hospital.

Police said the Baguio City-bound Toyota Hi-ace van with plate no. AEN-382 owned by Batong, 38, from Guinzadan Norte, also in Bauko with eight passengers fell into the ravine as it overtook an Elf truck.

Injured were:  Grade 1 pupil Jessy Keth Cambolo Panisigan, 6;  Kyra Panisigan Batawang, 4;  Glenda Panisigan Batawang, 41; all from Lubas, La Trinidad, Benguet; Marilyn Pacio Tomayo, 41, from Puliwes, Baguio City;  Apolonia Pacalso, 68, from Bana-ao, Tadian, Mt. Province; and David Ingaan Caoili Jr., 59, from Bana-ao, Tadian, also in Mt. Province

Pacalso and Caoili Jr. were sent d to Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet while Batawang, Cambolo Panisigan and Kyra Panisigan Batawang were referred to Pines City Doctor’s Hospital in Baguio City. DMS