5 dead, 5 injured as dump truck falls off cliff in Davao Oriental

Five individuals died after a dump truck falls down a cliff in Davao Oriental, according to a "24 Oras" report by GMA Regional TV's RGil Relator on Thursday.

The dump truck had been carrying gravel with ten individuals, including the driver, onboard as it passed through Barangay Pichon in Caraga on Wednesday.

The truck fell down an 80-meter cliff as it traveled down a slope in the road.

“Papunta sila sa Sitio Bantawan, ‘yung sa may ginagawang kalsada. Tapos nang dumating na sila sa may pa-downhill, doon na nag-lost control ang sinasakyan nila,” said Caraga Police investigator Police Corporal Rhym Pamaclawan.

(They were going to Sitio Bantawan, where the road was under construction. When they areived at the downhill part, they lost control of their vehicle.)

Five passengers, including an engineer, died on the spot after they were crushed under the truck and gravel. The remaining four passengers and the driver sustained injuries.

The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, police continue to conduct further investigation into the incident.

GMA Integrated News is reaching out to the truck driver and construction company for comment. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News