Eight dead as vehicle falls en route to NegOr cemetery

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Eight people died and four others were injured after a Suzuki Easyride 4×4 vehicle fell into a rocky vacant lot while en route to a cemetery in Sitio Tumampon, Barangay Tiguib, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, on Saturday.

Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo), said the vehicle was carrying 13 people, including the 56-year-old driver, when he lost control due to a sudden brake failure while descending a steep slope.

Despite efforts to stop it, the vehicle rolled over the lot, according to the driver.

The driver survived, but six passengers were declared dead at the hospital, while two others later died.

Some of the eight fatalities were farmers and a barangay health worker.

The four injured victims, including two student-minors, are still recuperating.

Polinar said the victims were headed to a death anniversary service when the accident occurred around 9:30 a.m.

An investigation is ongoing.