By CESAR JOLITO III

Eight passengers were killed, while several others were injured, after a utility vehicle rolled over along a barangay road at Barangay Tiguib in Negros Oriental’s Ayungon town on Saturday morning, December 13.

Police reported the multicab was driven by 56-year-old Juan Maratas, a resident of Barangay Bagacay in Dumaguete City.

The vehicle is reportedly owned by Christian Catacutan.

Initial investigation disclosed that the vehicle was carrying several passengers on their way to a cemetery to attend a death anniversary service.

At around 9:30 a.m., while descending a steep downhill portion of the road in Sitio Tumampon, Maratas allegedly experienced sudden brake failure, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and rolled over rocky terrain.

All injured victims were immediately rushed to the Bindoy District Hospital for medical treatment, while the remains of those who died were turned over to their respective families.

Declared dead by attending physicians were Edwin Deguit Sr., Zenaida Sabanal, Libby de Jesus, Ernesta Villasco, Anabelle Devero, Elphy Deguit, Chinly Erojo Magalso, and Artillana Deguit.

Several passengers survived but sustained varying degrees of injuries, including Fibronia Agcaoili of Valenzuela City; two minors aged 13 and nine; and other adult passengers.

Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

The driver, who survived the incident, told authorities that despite his efforts to stop the vehicle, the brakes allegedly failed to function.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash./CJ, WDJ