62-year-old Filipino in Taiwan among dead in highway crash

A 62-year-old woman was killed after the van carrying her and two other Filipinos, reportedly her employers, was involved in a highway crash in Taiwan on August 19, 2026.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Jonathan Andal, Ebelia Escalona Cortes was on her way to the airport for a flight to Manila when the tragedy happened.

The two other Filipinos were injured, the report added.

Initial reports said the van had stopped on the highway after it hit a car. The drivers reportedly got out of their vehicles to discuss the incident when a speeding SUV suddenly crashed into them.

The impact killed the drivers of the car and van. Cortes, who was seated in the third row of the van, suffered broken ribs before going into cardiac arrest. She was declared dead at the scene.

Cortes' son, Roy, appealed for assistance and justice for his mother.

“Sana po matulungan ninyo ang nanay ko. Mapanagot yung nakabangga at sana magkaroon ng hustisya (I hope you can help my mother. I hope the person responsible for the crash is held accountable and that justice is served),” he said.

Roy said his mother was the family's breadwinner and had helped support her 10 children. He added that his mother is on her way to the airport for a flight to the Philippines.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) extended its condolences to the Cortes family and assured them of assistance.

"MECO has assured the family of all possible assistance in this regard," it said.

MECO said it has coordinated with Taiwanese police, medical institutions, immigration authorities and other concerned agencies regarding the case. It also helped coordinate the repatriation of Cortes' remains and provided the family guidance on requirements for pursuing legal remedies in Taiwan.

It added that it continues to monitor the official investigation and other proceedings related to the crash.

Cortes' remains are expected to be brought back to the Philippines on Aug. 30.

Taiwanese media reported that the driver of the speeding vehicle survived and is now in stable condition.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.— LDF/BAP, GMA News