Four people died while another is in critical condition after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) they were riding plunged into a ravine in Barangay Mambuaya, Cagayan de Oro City.

The fatalities were identified as Racquel Botanas, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT); couple Elvie and Jaime Galarpe; and the driver’s wife, Arlene Yane. The chief tanod of the barangay, William Lozano Javien, who drove the vehicle is in critical condition at the hospital, as of this writing.

Based on investigation, the victims were heading home from a year-end evaluation and fellowship from a resort in Sitio Monigue when they met the accident while traveling downhill at a curved portion of the road.

“Gilupad ra siya. Nakita man gyud nako gikan diri niana ra gyud siya dayon nitugpa ug kaduha tua gani ang sakyanan sir nakapatong sa bato,” a witness, Marivic Caharian, said.

A resident reportedly heard the vehicle accelerating and the driver reportedly attempting to step on the brakes - which left visible skid marks on the road - before the SUV veered off into the ravine at least 200 feet deep.

“Pagdungaw namo sir, ang mga tao nagtikay-ang na sa ubos, nagbulag na ba nangalagpot na bitaw,” Caharian added.

The Traffic Management Unit of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) is investigating the incident.

Authorities reminded the public to avoid driving, especially when under the influence of alcohol.