Truck carrying passengers flips amid raging river in Zamboanga del Norte

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Passengers escaped unhurt after a truck carrying commuters and cargo was swept by a flash flood and overturned while attempting to cross a river in Sergio Osmeña town, Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, Oct. 2.

Initial reports gathered on Saturday showed that the vehicle was traversing the Yabo River in Barangay San Isidro when it was caught by raging waters.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was midway through the crossing when the water level rapidly swelled. The driver tried to maneuver through the surge, but the engine stalled, leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of the river.

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READ: Whirlwind damages homes, displaces families in Pagadian City

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Moments later, the strong current tipped the heavy vehicle onto its side.

Members of the Barangay Marapong quick response team immediately conducted search and rescue operations, safely extracting all commuters and crew from the vehicle.

Local authorities reported no serious injuries among the passengers.

However, several pieces of personal belongings and cargo were swept downstream by the torrent.

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Authorities noted that most of the passengers aboard the truck were residents heading to western villages of the municipality, including Barangays Nebo, Marapong and Nazareth.

Local disaster response agencies have reiterated warnings to commuters and drivers against attempting to cross riverways during heavy rainfall or sudden surges in water level, particularly in inland and mountainous barangays. INQ