Three people were rescued after a trailer truck plunged from a bridge in Barangay Pocopoco, Damulog, Bukidnon, on Thursday afternoon, July 23, leaving them trapped inside the vehicle for nearly two hours.
The victims were identified as driver Anthony Bernat, 30, truck helper Dandy Jumilla, 29, and a 13-year-old helper. All are residents of Bangkal, Davao City.
According to Police Capt. Marlon Subrian, officer in charge of the Damulog Municipal Police Station, the trailer truck was transporting coils and sheets from Sarangani Province to Cagayan de Oro when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle because of the slippery road.
The truck fell from the bridge and sustained heavy damage, trapping all three occupants inside.
Rescue personnel from the Damulog Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, assisted by responders from the Dangcagan MDRRMO, the Damulog Fire Station, the Damulog Municipal Police Station, and local motorists, immediately launched a rescue operation.
The operation lasted for nearly two hours before all three victims were safely extricated from the wreckage.
Authorities said the victims sustained only minor injuries. They were taken to the Provincial Hospital in Kibawe, Bukidnon, for medical treatment and were later reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities reminded drivers, particularly operators of heavy vehicles, to exercise extra caution when traveling during rainy weather, noting that wet and slippery roads increase the risk of traffic accidents.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
