Two individuals lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries in separate road accidents that occurred in Naga City on April 18 and 19, 2026. The incidents have prompted police investigations and legal actions, highlighting ongoing safety concerns on local highways.
First Accident: Collision Involving Dump Trucks
The initial accident took place at 1:54 PM on Saturday, April 18, in Barangay Balirong. A 23-year-old woman died, and two others were injured when a SinoTruk dump truck collided with the rear of a mini dump truck they were traveling in. The deceased has been identified as Gayle Ubra Olandria, 23, a resident of Barangay Guadalupe in Cebu City.
The injured victims are Cristene Marie Cabo, 20, and Maria Carmen Garces, 22, both from Barangay Poblacion in Talisay City. According to the Naga City Police Station investigation, the three victims were passengers in an Isuzu mini dump truck with plate number JAG 7530, driven by Alexander Yanong Candol from Barangay Tungkop in Minglanilla. The vehicle was en route from Toledo City to Naga.
A SinoTruk with plate number GAR 5727, driven by Raymart Paran Sepada, 25, from Cambang-ug, Toledo City, was following behind. Upon reaching the location, the SinoTruk struck the mini dump truck, causing it to overturn and eject its passengers due to the force of the impact.
Olandria died instantly from severe head and body trauma, while Cabo and Garces were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Sepada is currently in custody at the Naga City Police Station and faces charges of Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide, Multiple Physical Injury, and Damage to Property.
Second Accident: Motorcycle Crash
In a separate incident at 3:30 AM on April 19, a 36-year-old man died after his motorcycle crashed into a concrete fence on the national highway in Barangay South Poblacion. The victim has been identified as Ezekiel Habel Sofia, 36, from San Roque Street, Barangay Lipata, Minglanilla.
Witnesses reported that Sofia was traveling at high speed from Minglanilla when he lost control of his NMax motorcycle with plate number 312GOT, leading to the collision with the concrete barrier. The accident resulted in his immediate death, adding to the toll from the previous day's events.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
Authorities are continuing their investigations into both accidents to determine exact causes and prevent future occurrences. The Naga City Police Station has emphasized the importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations, especially on busy highways.
These tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with road travel and the need for increased vigilance among drivers and pedestrians alike. Community members are urged to exercise caution and report any unsafe driving behaviors to local law enforcement.
