A Toyota UV Express van slammed into a concrete pillar at the Du Ek Sam Inc. building in Barangay Looc, Jagna, Bohol, sending the driver to the hospital with fatal injuries.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on November 25, 2024. The van, with plate number GXP 434, was driven by 44-year-old Eleno Gaum y Ganados of San Miguel, Bohol. The vehicle was carrying five passengers, including:
- Van Russel Villafuerte y Gultiano, 20, from Barangay Boyoan, Candijay, Bohol;
- Carl Ryan Tagacanao y Piloton, 20, also from Candijay;
- Jovanni Bertumen y Butlay, 27, single, from Barangay Del Monte, Alicia, Bohol;
- Sunday Elle y Tutor, 45, married, from Barangay Abaca, Mabini, Bohol;
- Arvin Cagampang y Cagulada, 51, married, from Barangay Pagahat, Candijay, Bohol.
According to investigators, the van veered off course, heading towards Garcia Hernandez, Bohol, when the driver lost control of the vehicle due to a slippery road caused by heavy rain and fog. The impact was severe, and the driver was declared dead by Dr. Haidee Francis L. Cabatingan.
The other passengers were taken to Teodoro B. Galagar District Hospital in Jagna, Bohol, via JEMRU-Jagna and Tarsier personnel.
A CCTV surveillance footage showed the van traveling at a high speed before colliding with the pillar. The vehicle’s brake failed, and it did not slow down before impact.
An eyewitness account claimed that the van had been traveling from Alicia to Tagbilaran when the accident occurred. The vehicle’s operator is identified as Nestor Dalaquia.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.
