15 dead, others hurt as truck falls off ravine in Mabinay, Negros Oriental

At least 15 people died while two others were badly injured after a truck fell off a ravine Wednesday in Barangay Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental.

According to a dzBB report by Futch Inso of Super Radyo Cebu on Wednesday, the incident occurred at around 1:46 p.m. after the driver allegedly lost control of the truck.

Responders brought survivors to the Mabinay Community Hospital for treatment.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Police Major Nelson Lamoco, chief of the Mabinay police, said the death toll rose to 15 in the hours following the mishap.

Two people were badly hurt, Lamoco said, adding that authorities were still gathering more information on their medical condition.

Lamoco said the victims were livestock businessmen who loaded the truck with their purchases. They were on their way to Dawis village in Bayawan City when tragedy struck.

The Mabinay police chief confirmed that many people were onboard the closed van.

"Marami po, sir. According sa mga pamilya, nakausap po natin kanina, parang mayroon silang mga puhunan, kaunting puhunan sir, at doon sila bumili ng baboy. Pagkatapos nakabili ng baboy, dito nila isinakay... sa vehicle sir," Lamoco said.

(Many people, sir. According to the families were were able to speak with, the victims had some money to invest in business, and they spent it to buy pigs. After making their purchases, they loaded the animals... onto the vehicle.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News