Nine employees of the Bayawan City local government unit were killed after the mini dump truck they were riding plunged into a ravine in Sitio Mansintak, Barangay Kalamtukan, Bayawan City, on Wednesday morning, February 4.

The accident happened at around 10:00 a.m. along a mountainous road while the victims were on board a city-owned mini dump truck returning to the city center.

According to Police Captain Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, the vehicle may have lost control while descending the road.

Authorities said the victims had just delivered crude oil to Barangay Mandu-ao prior to the incident.

Initial findings revealed that the truck was reportedly traveling at a high speed before it veered off the road and fell approximately 50 meters into a ravine, which authorities believe caused the fatal injuries sustained by the victims.

Police and local authorities continue to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, including possible mechanical failure and road conditions.