A 10-year-old child has been confirmed dead, raising the death toll to two in a Christmas Day highway accident in Barangay Tagnanan, Mabini, Davao de Oro police reported Tuesday.
The fatal incident occurred when a pickup truck carrying 15 passengers, bound for an outing in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, slammed into a center island. Authorities said the first casualty was a 40-year-old woman who died on the spot.
The child, initially in critical condition, succumbed to injuries at 2 p.m. Monday at the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City.
Three other victims remain in critical condition, suffering severe injuries, including fractures, according to the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office.
The crash unfolded during what should have been a joyous holiday trip. “We didn’t see it coming,” a survivor said, recalling the moment the vehicle lost control.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. Police have yet to disclose whether speeding, driver error, or mechanical failure played a role in the tragedy.
The incident has cast a shadow over the community as families mourn the loss of loved ones during the festive season.
