Eight people were confirmed dead while 15 others were injured after a mini dump truck carrying about 30 passengers fell off a cliff in Barangay Christianuevo, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, around 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 7.
According to authorities, the vehicle was returning from a community gathering in Lebak and was en route to Barangay Senditan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the truck to plunge into a ravine along Highway 70.
Police, emergency responders, and local government units quickly arrived at the scene to rescue the injured and retrieve the fatalities. Several minors were among those injured and were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, as authorities look into the possibility of mechanical failure or overloading.
