A 10-wheeler truck lost its brakes and crushed the back of a car on the diversion road in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Atimonan, Quezon, leaving one dead and seven people injured.
The truck was carrying goods bound for Albay.
Based on police investigation, the truck’s brakes failed while it was descending the steep terrain of Sta. Catalina.
Unable to stop, the truck continued moving until it slammed into the car in front of it.
"Kasi 'yung terrain po ng Brgy. Sta. Catalina medyo pababa po talaga, medyo matarik na pababa. Hanggang sa naabot nila 'yung bumangga sila sa kotse po," PMaj. Ma. Elena Lumaban, Chief of the Atimonan Police Station, said.
The truck's assistant driver died after jumping from the vehicle in an attempt to save himself.
Five other passengers in the truck were injured, as well as the driver and passenger of the car.
The parties involved decided to settle the matter privately.
"They opted to settle. Sila-sila na lang po nag-usap. Even 'yung family po ng namatay, dahil kasamahan din naman po nila, sila-sila na rin po nag-usap kasama 'yung manager po nila," Lumaban said.
Authorities advise motorists to inspect their vehicles regularly before traveling to prevent accidents.
