Seven members of a family were killed while another was injured after the van they were riding crashed into a tree in Tupi, South Cotabato on Monday, December 23, 2024.

According to the Tupi Municipal Police Station, the brakes of the van reportedly malfunctioned while traveling downhill in Barangay Cebuano.

The driver reportedly tried to stop the vehicle using the hand brake, but the vehicle swerved and hit the tree near a curve.

The impact was so strong that some passengers were thrown off the vehicle into a creek around five meters deep.

All seven passengers, including two minors, did not reach the hospital alive.

The driver sustained injuries and was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Police said six of the victims, including the driver, were residents of Cagayan de Oro while the two minors were residents of Polomok, South Cotabato.

Investigators want to find out other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

“The Tupi MPS headed by Major Rovi Jardenil reminds all motorists to regularly inspect their vehicles for roadworthiness, especially before long trips, to prevent similar tragic accidents,” the Tupi Municipal Police Station said.