Four people were killed after the vehicle they were riding plunged into a ravine in Barangay Mambuayan here late Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The crash happened shortly after 5 p.m. on Dec. 28, according to a report from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department. Three of the victims were declared dead at the scene, while another died at the hospital. The driver survived but remains in the intensive care unit.
The fatalities were identified as Arlene Gawayot, Rachel Butanas, Jaime Galarpe and his wife, Elvie Galarpe.
Initial reports from barangay officials said the group was on its way home from a party when the accident occurred. While traveling along the road in Barangay Mambuayan, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the roadway and plunge into a ravine.
Authorities said the vehicle rolled several times due to the depth of the ravine before coming to a stop. The exact cause of the loss of control was not immediately specified, and no additional details were released about the condition of the road at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders rushed the victims to the hospital, but only the driver survived. The driver remains under close medical observation.
Following the incident, authorities renewed their warning to motorists to exercise extra caution while driving, especially during the holiday season when roads are busier and travel increases.
Officials reminded drivers to remain alert, avoid risky driving behavior and ensure their vehicles are in safe condition to prevent similar accidents.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
