A head-on collision along the Manila North Road in Barangay 16 San Marcos, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, late Wednesday morning left several individuals injured, according to initial police reports.
Authorities said the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. in front of the Isuzu Parts and Service Center, where an Isuzu D-Max driven by a 68-year-old Canadian citizen from Pagdilao, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, collided with a Daewoo truck bus operated by a 63-year-old resident of Gabut Sur, Badoc, Ilocos Norte. Police said the foreign national was driving without a Philippine driver’s license.
Based on the investigation of the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station, the Municipal Health Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, the pickup truck was heading north when it reportedly crossed into the opposite lane and struck the oncoming bus. Police added that the pickup driver had allegedly fallen asleep, causing the encroachment and subsequent impact.
Both drivers and the 11 passengers aboard the two vehicles sustained minor injuries and were rushed to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.
The Isuzu D-Max sustained total wreckage on its front portion, while the bus also incurred significant frontal damage. Authorities said the cost of repairs for both vehicles has yet to be determined as the investigation continues.