Tacloban City—A fatal road crash involving three vehicles left four soldiers dead and seven others injured in Paranas, Samar on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Killed on the spot were Staff Sergeant Crisostomo Gabuay, Sergeant Sherwin Antonio, Sergeant Romel Ombrog, and Second Lieutenant Charefe Cabanog of the 8th Infantry Division in Catbalogan City.
Wounded were Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Orbito, Sergent Nixon Abadiano, and Private Mat Raymond Barrantes, who were onboard a white Toyota Hilux.
Also injured were Warren Dabuet, Janica Obidos Baco, Jella Bacay Baccol, and Sheryl Sayasa Maurillo who were ridng a motorized tricycle.
Police identified the driver of the Wing van truck, bearing plate no. UVZ 951, as Elvin Millanes.
The incident happened at 9 a.m. Tuesday along the national highway of Barangay Apolonia in Paranas town.
In an initial investigation, police said the motorized tricycle was traveling ahead of the truck in the same direction, while the Toyota Hilux with army personnel onboard was travelling in the opposite direction.
The truck suddenly accidentally hit the motorized tricycle and subsequently collided into the incoming Toyota driven by Sergeant Antonio.
The collision was so strong it dragged the Toyota few meters ahead until it also crashed into a house.
The wounded victims were rushed to a hospital in Catbalogan City, while the truck driver was brought to Paranas Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Authorities are conducting follow-up investigation on the incident.