Eleven family members returning from a wake tragically died early this morning when their pickup truck collided with a passenger bus in Abulug, Cagayan.
The accident occurred on the national highway in Sitio Ayaga, Barangay Lucban, according to a report by Ivy Hernando for GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon. Police Major Antonio Palattao, chief of the Abulug Police, stated that the pickup truck, carrying 14 people, was on its way back from a wake in Apayao when it entered the main highway and was struck by the bus heading to Sta. Ana, Cagayan.
“The pickup suddenly entered the main highway, just as the bus was approaching, leading to the collision. It seems both parties had some fault,” said Palattao.
Among the deceased were two infants, aged one year and 11 months. The driver of the pickup truck and two children survived but were injured and rushed to the hospital. The bus driver, conductor, and several passengers also sustained injuries.
Ronalyn Time-Israel, a relative of one of the victims, expressed her grief, “I was just with my child yesterday, and now they’re gone. I can’t accept it. I haven’t seen my child, I can’t bear to see them like this.”
The family has called on the bus company for financial assistance, particularly for the funeral expenses. The police are preparing charges against the bus driver.