Truck Loses Brakes, Leaves 1 Dead and 2 Injured in Capoocan, Leyte

Posted on June 2, 2026 at 6:32 am

CAPOOCAN, Leyte — A 25-year-old woman died while two others were injured after a truck carrying carnival workers lost its brakes and overturned along a newly constructed provincial road in Barangay Tolibao, Capoocan, on the evening of May 29.

The accident occurred at around 7 p.m., approximately 15.2 kilometers from the Capoocan Municipal Police Station.

The truck was driven by a 38 year old man identified only as Ruben, a resident of Leyte town. The victim, identified as Marie, 25, and a resident of Capoocan.

According to Police Captain Joselito C. Mislos, officer in charge of the Capoocan Municipal Police Station, the truck was returning to the town proper from Barangay Libertad, where a village fiesta had just concluded. The vehicle, which was used to transport carnival equipment, was carrying 11 people, including several passengers who had asked for a ride.

Initial investigation showed that the truck was descending a steep road with a sharp curve when its brakes reportedly malfunctioned. The vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and headed toward a ravine.

The truck was prevented from plunging into the ravine after it was stopped by a coconut tree. However, the impact caused the vehicle to overturn, throwing several passengers from the truck.

Rescuers from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) spent more than an hour extricating the driver and another passenger who were trapped inside the wreckage.

Marie was rushed to a hospital after being rescued but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.

The driver and another injured passenger were also brought to the hospital for treatment.

The remaining nine passengers survived the accident without serious injuries.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Authorities said the driver could face appropriate charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Photo courtesy: Capoocan MPS