Two people were injured while motorists struggled to pass through a highway in Malungon, Sarangani after a tanker truck accident caused a leak of liquid carbon dioxide evening on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Motorists were forced to stop for safety due to zero visibility when thick smoke from the leaking liquid carbon dioxide covered the road in Barangay Nagpan.

Police officers and firefighters responded to the area immediately.

Authorities decided to let the gas dissipate before removing the vehicle from the highway.

“Since ito ay tanker, nagkaroon ng leak, hinintay na lang maubus ang laman hanggang sa matanggal yung truck sa highway,” Malungon Municipal Police Station Chief, Lt. Col. Geovannie Ladeo, said.

Based on investigation, the truck was traveling from General Santos City to Davao City when the driver allegedly lost control after the brakes reportedly malfunctioned while navigating the winding road.

“Ito yung zigzag na portion ng highway, according sa driver is nung mag-brake siya, ayaw nang kumapit yung brake. So ang kanyang ginawa, kinabig niya ito pakaliwa para hindi siya diretso mahulog sa manggahan. Ang nangyari, doon siya mismo sa highway natumba,” Ladeo added.

The 42-year-old driver and his 26-year-old companion sustained injuries and were brought to a hospital for treatment.

Fortunately, no one was reported to have suffocated from the leaked gas, which is commonly used in food and beverage production and chemical manufacturing.