Seventeen people were injured after a truck loaded with fish collided with a passenger van in Barangay Habana, Nabas, Aklan, on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 17.
Police said initial investigation showed the truck lost its brakes while traveling downhill along a sloping portion of the road. The vehicle then crashed into an oncoming passenger van carrying 14 people.
The impact severely damaged the front portions of both vehicles. Boxes of fish being transported by the truck were scattered across the road following the collision, causing disruption along the highway.
Authorities said the injured included the truck driver and helper, as well as the driver and passengers of the van. All victims were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Investigators said the truck had come from Antique and was transporting about 80 boxes of fish. It was heading toward Caticlan in the town of Malay at the time of the incident. The passenger van was traveling from Caticlan when the crash occurred.
Police continue to gather statements and examine the vehicles to determine the exact cause of the collision. Officials said the initial report points to brake failure as a possible factor.
The accident caused traffic disruption in the area as responders cleared the wreckage and the scattered cargo from the roadway. Authorities reminded motorists to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and to exercise caution, especially when traveling on downhill roads.
