Eight people were killed and 15 others were injured when a mini dump truck plunged into a ravine along Highway 70 in Barangay Christianuevo, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Tuesday afternoon, August 6.
Police said the incident happened around 5:20 p.m. The vehicle, a navy blue mini dump truck driven by Alvin Guiapar Adam, 38, of Parang, Maguindanao, was carrying 22 passengers — all residents of Barangay Senditan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Initial investigation by the Lebak Municipal Police Station showed the truck was traveling from Barangay Poloy-Poloy to Cotabato City when it reportedly lost its brakes while navigating a downhill curve. It crashed into concrete debris from an ongoing road construction before falling into the ravine.
Rescuers brought the driver and passengers to South Upi Municipal Hospital, while two patients were transferred to Sultan Kudarat District Hospital for further treatment.
The fatalities were identified as Moner Abdulah, Todz Mamintal, Marinaya Taher Nailan, Babylyn Sahipa, 14; Aling Sahipa, 50; Mohamad Digan, Mohamad Macarimbang, and Mando Ramon Sali, 40. All were declared dead on arrival.
Fifteen other passengers sustained varying injuries and are receiving medical care.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, focusing on the reported brake failure and road conditions at the time.
