TUBA, Benguet – Tow elderly recipients of the government’s social pension program died while four others were injured after their ill-fated vehicle plunged into a 50meter ravine at Sitio Lasong, Barangay Ansagan, here, recently.
Police authorities identified the fatalities of the tragic accident as Aida Puchay Dontogan, 73, who died on the spot and Mely Diwes Bayacsan, 70, who was declared dead on arrival at the Rosario district hospital.
On the other hand, the injured occupants of the ill-fated vehicle were Rosa Alicwas Ditchi, 75, Lucia Colas Lestino, 72, Joselito Calibnas Solley, Larry Ohosan Martin, 59 and Aly Seriaco Atiw, 51, driver of the said vehicle.
Initial police investigation showed that the vehicle was ascending towards Sitio Lasong loaded with 5 passengers when it suffered from mechanical trouble that caused the same to move backward until it plunged into the deep ravine.
Because of the said incident, the 2 senior citizens died while the 4 other occupants of the vehicle were rushed to the different hospitals in Baguio and La Union for them to be provided with appropriate medical treatment.
The incident is still undergoing investigation although the vehicle was totally wrecked because of the said accident. By Dexter A. See