Chief Inspector Eduardo Guevarra, Dinalupihan police chief, identified the fatalities as Armand Dacayo, 43, of San Benito; Norma Sarmiento, 70, of Happy Valley and Cynthia Penaflor of San Pablo; all in Dinalupihan.
Penaflor reportedly was a widow of a former regional court judge in Dinalupihan. She died while being revived at the Jose Payumo District Hospital in Dinalupihan where most of the victims were treated.
Four others were rushed to the Bataan Peninsula Medical Center, also in Dinalupihan, where one died and three later transferred to the Bataan General Hospital in Balanga City.
Alfredo Santos, Jr., Barangay Luakan, Dinalupihan chairman, described the accident that happened at 7 a.m. as “very tragic.”
“Nag-overtake ang trak at nabangga ang kasalubong na pamasaherong jeepney. Bawat ilabas namin, duguan,” the village leader said.
PO3 Rafael Tiglao of the Dinalupihan police said the 14-wheeler truck was bound for Olongapo City when it collided with the incoming passenger jeepney. “Pa-overtake ang truck nang masalpok ang jeep,” the police officer said.
Jeepney passengers Eddie Daguto and Raella, 17-year old college student, said they lost consciousness. “Nagising na lang kami sa ospital,” they said.
Jeepney driver Ricky Mangalindan of Barangay Colo, Dinalupihan, a retired police officer, was among those badly hurt after being pinned on his steering wheel.
Police said truck driver Reymon de Guzman of Porac, Pampanga faces case for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple injuries and damage to property.
