At least 14 people were killed after a truck they were riding to a town in Biliran province figured in a freak accident and fell into a canal Saturday evening.

PO2 Alipio Pantas Jr. of the Biliran police said Sunday 13 of the 14 were killed on the spot while one died while being treated.

"Hindi malalim ang binagsakan pero maaaring malakas ang impact," Pantas said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Sketchy initial reports indicated the incident occurred at 6:30 p.m. along a country road, while the truck was heading for Caibiran town.

While traveling through a road with a downward incline, the truck's brakes allegedly failed, and it swerved to the canal.

Pantas said the reports reaching their office indicated the driver and a local village chairman were among the injured.

He said six of the injured were referred to a hospital in Tacloban City. — LBG, GMA News