CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Bantay, Ilocos sur – Three persons were killed and nine others seriously hurt when a mini-dump truck bumped into a coconut tree beside the national highway in Barangay Las – ud, Tagudin town recently.

The driver, identified as Jemuel Manangan of Villaviciosa, Abra, panicked and lost control of the wheels when an unidentified vehicle overtook him along the national highway.

Police Chief Inspector Catalino Ragasa, chief of the operation branch of Ilocos Sur Police Office, identified the fatalities as Jaylord Perido, 23; Jocelyn Buendia, 38; and Flodeliza Asia, 15; all residents of Pilar, Abra.

Ragasa identified the injured as Roberto Estrella, 44; Analiza Dumlao, 36; Myleen Manangan, 29; Mae Mailed, 25; Helen Voz, 48; Crisnela Buendia, 26; Jordan Cayetano, 14; PJ Manangan, 5; and Toti Roperte, 7; all of Pilar, Abra.

The mini-truck driver escaped unhurt.

Investigation disclosed that the mini-dump truck, bearing plate number ZAX-221, was proceeding southwards when the accident happened.

The vehicle was reportedly loaded with bamboo, wooden post, panel doors with several persons on board at the back.

Three of the passengers were declared dead on arrival while the injured were transferred to various hospitals in San Fernando City, La Union.