CEBU CITY — An 11-year-old girl died and six others are missing when the pickup truck they were riding in was swept away by flashflood on Monday afternoon, July 8, in Carmen town, northern Cebu.
The fatality and the missing were among the 17 persons who were aboard the pickup truck which was crossing a spillway when the incident happened at 5:45 p.m.
A PICKUP truck is stuck on the middle of a river after it was swept away by a flashfood on Monday, July 8, in Carmen town, northern Cebu. (Photo via Carmen LGU)
The group had a party in a mountain resort in Barangay Lower Natimao-an, Carmen and was on their way home when tragedy struck.
According to Engr. Rodger Suico, the incident occurred during a heavy downpour.
While the vehicle was passing through the area, a culvert overflowed. The strong current swept the vehicle to the river.
Luckily, the vehicle got stuck in a big rock in the middle of the river, preventing it from being completely swept away.
Suico said most of those who survived were seated inside the vehicle. The fatality was among those who were at the back of the vehicle.
Two of the missing passengers were a couple who were married only last Saturday, July 6.
The body of the 11-year-old girl identified as Arshane Bejoc was recovered on a shoreline in Barangay Loay, Carmen.
Suico said a search and rescue operation is still in progress.
The missing were identified as Mike Stanley Tungal, 15; Aishie Hermoso,12; Rhesamie Costan, 25; Nathaniel Lozano, 12; Elmer Costan, 25; and Clarrise Ypil, 13.
Elmer and Rhesamie were married last Saturday. The party was believed to be a part of their wedding celebration.
Rescued were the driver of the vehicle, Ranilo Hermoso, 44, Princess Ann Ypil, 11; Debie Hermoso, 40; Ainsley Hermoso, 6; Jojelyn Tungal, 38; Mary Jaica Tungal, 16; May Stephanie Tungal, 14; Queen Ncoole Sencio, 4; Athea Gica, 4; and Jasmine Gica, 37.