19 dead as truck plunges into Apayao ravine

Baguio City (CNN Philippines, November 1) — Nineteen people died after their truck plunged into a ravine in Apayao on Thursday.

The accident also left 21 people injured, while 3 were unscathed. 

The white Isuzu ELF truck owned and driven by Merlito Culili Gannaban fell off into a ravine at around 7 p.m.

Cordillera Police Regional Office said that, based on initial investigation, the truck was heading to Conner in Apayao when the engine shut off, causing the brake to stop working. It then fell off into the ravine in Sitio Gassud, Brgy Karikitan.

Cordillera Police Regional Office information officer Major Carol Lacuata said the passengers are typhoon victims from Cagayan who received corn and palay seeds from the government to help cope with the damages of the typhoon.

PNP personnel and rescue teams immediately responded and brought the victims to Conner District hospital.