STO TOMAS City, Batangas — With two days left before Christmas, a devastating vehicular accident unfolded In the early hours of Saturday (23 Dec 2023) in this city, resulting in the loss of five (5) lives and leaving three (3) individuals badly injured.
According to bystanders, the incident involved a collision between a truck and an SUV along Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Vicente near the newly-opened SM City Sto Tomas.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Rodel Ban-o, the chief of police in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the accident occurred at around 2:50 a.m., triggering a massive five-hour traffic jam on the southbound lane.
The SUV, identified as an Innova traveling from Catarman, Northern Samar, en route to Nueva Ecija, collided with the southbound truck.
Initial investigations revealed that the driver of the SUV, who hailed from Catarman, Northern Samar, had fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the tragic collision with the oncoming truck.
Regrettably, all the fatalities and injuries were occupants of the SUV. The injured individuals have been promptly transported to the St. Cabrini hospital for necessary medical attention.
Fortunately, no one aboard the truck suffered injuries but witnesses claim the driver fled from the scene and is now the subject of a massive manhunt operation.
As the community grapples with this tragic incident, investigations are ongoing to ascertain further details surrounding the accident.
(Ismael Amigo/MNM)