Seven persons died on the spot, six were reported to be in critical condition, while 11 were wounded when a dump truck tipped on its side in Silay City, Province of Negros Occidental on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Three of the casualties are senior citizens.

The casualties were identified as Alexander Balili, 62 years old; Rafael Jardiolin Jr., 57; Eldie Naguita, 65; Azucena Dimson, 52; Leonillo Jerson, 38; Marlon Amarado, 36; and Jayme Bangis, 60. 

According to the Silay City Police, the individuals were on board a mini dump truck that tipped on its side after the driver lost control of the vehicle upon reaching a bend on the road.

The incident happened in Barangay Guimbala-on, Silay City at about 10 a.m. on June 27, 2025.

The victims were said to be from a tree-planting activity.  

“Bale mula sila sa tree planting sa itaas. Nang pababa na sila, na-lose control ang ating drayber sa manibela. Sa ating term, nahulog sila,” PSMG Jesser Matthew Demaisip, Silay City Police Station investigator, said.

One of injured persons is the truck driver, Hernane Masa, 53 years old.  

“Ibinangga niya na lang daw sa kahoy kasi kung hindi niya raw ibinangga, mahuhulog sila, mamamatay silang lahat. Umiiyak nga siya kasi hindi naman niya raw sinasadya,” Salvacion Masa, the driver’s wife, said.

Further, the wife of another injured person said that the dump truck was not functioning properly prior to the accident.

“Nang papunta pa lang raw sila, nagka-trouble na ang sasakyan. May mga bumaba raw. Patuloy raw siyang nagpapaakyat,” said Lina Andrade, wife of one of the injured persons.

In an official statement issued by Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, he expressed his grief over the incident wherein casualties have been recorded, and that there were employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU) injured.

Gallego vowed LGU support to the investigation and assistance for the families of the victims.