7 tree planting volunteers died, 6 in critical condition in Silay City accident
At least seven volunteers of a tree-planting activity died while six are in critical condition after the truck they were riding in had an accident in Silay, Negros Occidental.
There are 11 other volunteers that were hospitalized for medical treatment.
In the report of Aileen Pedreso of GMA Regional TV, the dump truck they were riding tipped on its side in Barangay Guimbala-on, Silay City on June 27, 2025.
According to Silay City police, the driver of the dump truck lost control of the vehicle upon reaching a curve in the road around 10 a.m. on Friday that caused the vehicle to tip to its side and the passengers fell onto the road.
"Mula sa tree planting doon sa taas. Nang pababa na sila, na-lose control sa manibela ang ating driver. Nahulog sila," said Police Master Sergeant Jesser Matthew Demaisip.
(From the tree planting site. When they were going down, our driver lost control of the steering wheel. They fell onto the road.)
Among the seven fatalities are three senior citizens, with six passengers are in critical condition while 11 were injured and under observation in the hospital including the truck driver.
"Ibinangga na lang daw niya sa kahoy kasi kung hindi raw niya ibinangga, mahuhulog sila, mamamatay silang lahat," the wife of the driver said in an interview.
(He said he just hit the truck against the tree because if he hadn't, they would have all fallen and died.)
"Umiiyak nga siya kasi hindi naman niya raw sinasadya," she added.
(He's crying because he didn't mean to.)
According to a passenger, the truck already had a problem before the accident occurred.
"Nang papunta pa lang raw sila, nagka trouble na ang sasakyan. May mga bumaba raw. Patuloy raw siyang nagpapaakyat," said a relative of an injured passenger.
(They were just on their way when the truck had trouble. Some people got off. He continued to allow passengers to ride.)
The police is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, in an official statement, said, "This tragic occurrence brought immeasurable gried to the community."
"It is a moment of collective mourning for all Silaynons, I respectfully call upon everyone to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who perished, and for the full and speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries," he added.
Gallego vowed that a thorough investigation will be done on the incident and extend assistance to the relatives of the victims. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
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