BANTAY, Ilocos Sur — Two people were killed and four others were injured after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) collided head‑on with a truck along the national highway in Barangay Banaoang here before dawn Wednesday, Aug. 19.
Police identified the fatalities as the 22‑year‑old driver of the SUV and one of its passengers, also 22. Both victims were residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan.
The truck was driven by a 48‑year‑old man from Anda, Pangasinan, who sustained minor injuries in the crash.
According to Police Lt. Ronie Corpuz of the Bantay Municipal Police Station, the truck was traveling northbound when the SUV allegedly crossed into its lane, resulting in the head‑on collision.
The impact caused severe injuries to the SUV driver and passenger, resulting in their deaths.
Four other passengers of the SUV were also injured and rushed to the nearest hospital.
An earlier police account said the SUV was carrying six people and was believed to have come from Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
Both vehicles were heavily damaged, with the SUV almost unrecognizable after the crash.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities are also awaiting the results of medico‑legal examinations to determine whether alcohol or other factors were involved.
The Bantay police urged motorists to exercise caution and drive responsibly, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility.