A 40-year-old assistant department manager of the Pag-IBIG Fund Ayala Cebu Branch was killed after the van carrying him allegedly suffered brake failure and crashed into roadside trees in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, on July 23.
Police said the group was traveling from Guihulngan Heights and was heading toward the city center when the vehicle allegedly experienced brake failure while negotiating a curved section of the road in Sitio Palao, Barangay Malusay.
According to investigators, the driver immediately warned the passengers after realizing the van’s brakes had allegedly failed.
One passenger reportedly attempted to jump out of the vehicle to avoid the impending crash.
Despite the driver’s efforts, the van went out of control and struck a coconut tree and several gemelina trees along the roadside.
The assistant department manager, who was seated beside the driver, sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
The driver and the other passengers were injured in the crash and were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Police did not immediately release the identities of the other victims or provide details on the extent of their injuries.
Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the reported brake failure remain under investigation.
Investigators are continuing to determine the cause of the crash and whether mechanical failure contributed to the incident.
The accident occurred on a curved portion of the road, where the vehicle allegedly lost its braking capability before colliding with the roadside trees.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather additional information about the fatal crash.
