World · Philippines Bureau
One dead, four injured as cargo truck plunges off ravine in Zamboanga del Sur
A 63-year-old passenger died and four others sustained injuries Thursday after a blue cargo truck lost braking power and careened into a deep ravine in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur. The accident occurred on a steep downhill stretch in a remote barangay, authorities said.
LSN Philippines ·
The fatal accident took place along a downhill road in Barangay Kitaan Dagat, Kumalarang in the afternoon, according to local police reports. The blue cargo truck, traveling on the treacherous stretch, lost its brakes before plummeting into the ravine below.
The 63-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while four other occupants sustained injuries from the crash. Emergency responders were dispatched to the accident site to assist the victims and retrieve the vehicle from the ravine.
Police are investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the brake failure. The hilly terrain of Kumalarang, characterized by steep grades and sharp curves, has been the site of similar vehicular accidents in the past. Authorities are expected to conduct a mechanical inspection of the truck to determine if negligent maintenance contributed to the tragedy.
The names of the victims and their exact conditions have yet to be officially released by authorities. The incident comes as road safety remains a persistent concern in remote areas of Mindanao, where challenging topography and aging vehicles increase accident risks.