What was supposed to be an act of compassion turned into tragedy for a man who was helping riders who got injured in a collision in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

The man, 42, died after he was hit by a wing van truck as he and a companion were extending help. His companion was spared because the man was able to push him away.

The incident happened on January 13, 2026.

Authorities said the man and his companion were passing by the place of the collision and decided to stop to help the motorists who were injured. However, they did not notice the wing van truck speeding toward them.

“Duha to sila, nag-motor man to sila, nakalabay sila… sa ilang pagkamatinabangon, nihunong sila aron motabang unta… wala sila kabantay nga naghaguros na tong wing van, nasugok gyud siya… matud sa nakakita nga duha man sila… katong isa, natulod siya atong namatay maong wala na apil,” Balingasag Municipal Police Station Traffic Investigator, Master Sergeant Bryan Baillo, said.

The truck driver reportedly told authorities that his vehicle lost its brakes, prompting him to veer to the right side of the road. He reportedly did not notice there were people because he was driving behind a dump truck.

Aside from the man who died, the truck also hit seven other individuals and several vehicles, including a motorcycle carrying two women, a tricab, and a parked SUV.

“Naa pud nasugok nga isa ka motor nga naay nagsakay nga duha ka babae sa daplin kay naglantaw sa bangga nga nahitabo. Naa pud isa ka tricab nga na-sideswipe kay naa gihapon didto kay nag tan-aw. Ang last niya nga nasugok sa wing van katong MUX nga naghunong sa daplin kay naglantaw sa bangga sa duha ka motor,” Baillo added.

The seven people sustained minor injuries.

Police said the owner of the truck, the family of the fatality, and the other people injured have reportedly reached an agreement.

Authorities reminded the public to avoid stopping on the road out of curiosity when there are accidents as doing so poses possible dangers.