Six people died while eight others were injured when the van they were riding crashed into a tree in Barangay Sabang, Naic, Cavite.

One of those who died was the driver and one of those injured is in critical condition, as of this writing.  

All family members, the passengers were returning from a reunion in Bicol. 

Investigation revealed that the driver fell asleep behind the wheel. The van, traveling at a high speed, veered off the road and crashed into the tree.

"Mabilis 'yung pagpapatakbo, tapos biglang nakatulog saka po sumalpok sa puno," Lt. Col. Chester Noel Borlongan, chief of the Naic Police Station, said.

The road was reportedly dry at the time of the accident.

Since the driver has passed on, no case will prosper if filed against him, the police said. 

"Somehow may fault po 'yung driver [pero] wala na pong criminal case dito against sa driver dahil patay na nga rin po," Borlongan said.

The van was on its way to Cubao, but one of the passengers, a resident of Naic, requested to be dropped off in the area.

"Ang usapan ay sa Cubao sila dapat sila ihahatid dahil halos karamihan dito, puro mga taga-Antipolo. Kaya lang, 'yung isa na sakay ay taga-Naic, naikiusap 'yung taga-Naic na i-drop by muna siya doon sa Naic," Borlongan said.

Authorities advise motorists to take short breaks if feeling drowsy while driving. 

It is also recommended to travel with a companion who can take over the wheel, especially during long journeys.