An elf truck driver died after the vehicle he was driving slammed into the back of a dump truck that slowed down suddenly along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (JASA) in Lubao, Pampanga.

The crash happened while both vehicles were traveling in the same direction toward Bataan.

Based on CCTV footage recovered by police, the dump truck reduced its speed to give way to another vehicle crossing the highway. The elf truck, which was following behind, failed to brake in time and crashed into the rear portion of the dump truck

“’Yung vehicle 1 natin which is ‘yung dump truck huminto siya pagdating sa isang corner dahil may lumabas na isang sasakyan. So, nag-give way siya after ilang seconds sumunod itong elf truck natin na hindi na sila nakapa-preno at nabangga niya ‘yung sa likuran na portion ng dump truck,” Lubao Police Station Acting Chief PLtCol. Dederick Relativo said.

The driver of the elf truck and his companion were rushed to the hospital following the crash. However, authorities said the driver was declared dead on arrival, while the passenger sustained injuries and is recovering as of press time.

The victim’s relatives and other individuals involved in the accident are yet to give a statement.

Authorities reminded motorists to stay alert and maintain a safe distance while driving, especially on busy highways, to prevent similar accidents in the future.