7 killed in SUV-tricycle crash in San Juan, Batangas

Seven persons were killed after their tricycle collided with a counterflowing sport utility vehicle in San Juan, Batangas.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez’s report in “24 Oras” on Thursday, the SUV was traversing the stretch of the national highway in Barangay Abung, when it suddenly swerved into the opposite lane and collided head-on into a fully-loaded tricycle.

Several passengers of the tricycle were thrown out due to the impact of the crash. Some were run over by a coaster bus traveling behind the SUV.

“The SUV hit the tricycle along with its passengers. Incidentally, the passengers who were thrown off were then run over by an oncoming bus,” said San Juan PNP chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Crispin Banes in Filipino.

The tricycle was completely destroyed and crumpled like a tin can, the report said.

Five of its passengers were declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while two other victims later succumbed to their injuries.

Meanwhile, the lone survivor is a two-year-old child who is still being treated in the hospital.

The female SUV driver is now in police custody and will face multiple charges. The coaster bus driver will be charged as well.

GMA News is trying to reach out to the suspects for their comments. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News