Driver had drinks; Calabayog mishap toll up to 11

The driver of a truck that overturned and killed several youths who registered for the barangay (village) and SK elections in Samar province Sunday admitted that he drank liquor before the accident. Radio station dzBB reported Monday that the driver, initially identified as Fernan Raeba, 28, admitted that he ingested alcohol but vehemently denied being drunk when the accident occurred. As this developed, the death toll from the accident rose to 11 after one of the injured youths, initially identified as Sandy Ortega, 15, died before dawn Monday. Ortega was a student of the San Joaquin National High School. He reportedly succumbed to his injuries at 2 a.m. Monday. At least nine teenagers who were on their way back from the registration died on the spot after Raeba's dump truck overturned after hitting a habal-habal (an extended motorbike). The tenth fatality was a 60-year-old "backrider" on the habal-habal, identified as Amparo Lagrimas. At least 13 more remained in critical condition in three private hospitals as of Monday morning. The incident took place Sunday afternoon several kilometers from Calbayog City proper. Initial investigation showed the truck driver lost control when he suddenly stepped on the brakes after hitting a motorcycle on a curve. The truck hit the gutter and then turned over on its side, crushing some of the youngsters and hurling others onto the concrete pavement. - GMANews.TV