MACALELON, Quezon – Three persons, including two minors, died while six others were injured when the jeepney they were riding plunged into a creek after it encountered mechanical trouble in Sitio Matalhan, Barangay San Nicolas, this town, on Saturday afternoon, April 1.
Officers-on-case Police Executive Master Sgt. Jennifer Panganiban and Police Staff Sgt. Jaymar Peria identified the victims as minors Markus and Noel and laborer Alex Villaraza, 42, residents of Barangay San Nicolas.
Injured were Barangay San Nicolas residents Noel Orillenida II, 41, driver; Nelanie Orillenida, 36; Reggie, a minor; Mark Anthony Abarico, 28; Franjelo, minor, and Romnick Crespo, 24.
Investigation said Orillenida lost control of the jeepney with license plates DNJ-121 loaded with coconuts upon reaching the downhill portion of the road and fell into the creek at around 3 p.m.
The accident was reported to the police at 5:10 p.m. which immediately conducted a rescue operation and assisted the victims.
Markus and Noel died on the spot while Villaraza was declared dead on arrival at the Gumaca District Hospital in Quezon. The injured were also brought to the Gumaca District Hospital by responding policemen.
Police are preparing complaints for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries and damage to property against Orillenida.