9 from courtship ritual dead as truck falls off cliff in Sultan Kudarat

At least nine people who were returning from a courtship ritual died after their mini dump truck fell off a 100-meter-high cliff in Barangay Christianueva in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” police said the truck was carrying 24 passengers, including the driver.

The victims were returning from a courtship ritual for Muslims in Barangay Poloy-Poloy on Wednesday when the vehicle supposedly lost its brakes while descending a curved portion of Highway 70.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 noted the mountainous section where the accident occurred is dangerous.

At least 15 persons, including the driver, were injured and brought to the hospital for medical treatment.

Rescuers struggled to free the trapped victims from the truck, which lasted until 8 p.m.

The Lebal Municipal Police Station said the roads are steep in the highly elevated area.

On Thursday, the remains of the nine victims were laid to rest.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to the driver, the victims and their families for comment. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News