ORION, Bataan — A collision between a fuel tanker truck and a passenger car along Roman Highway in Barangay Puting Buhangin here turned fatal after a 48-year-old woman died from her injuries, while several others remain hospitalized, police said.
The crash occurred at around 5:13 p.m. on January 16 and involved a white MAN trailer tanker truck carrying flammable fuel and a white Honda Civic, according to a spot report submitted by the Bataan Police Provincial Office to Police Brigadier General Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., director of Police Regional Office 3.
Police identified the tanker truck driver as Audie Gamella Mendeja, a resident of Infanta, Pangasinan. The Honda Civic was driven by Amado Ison Fulgencio, 37, of Mariveles, Bataan, who was traveling with three passengers, including the woman who later died.
Initial investigation showed that both vehicles were traveling along Roman Highway, with the tanker truck headed toward Balanga City and the Honda Civic bound for Mariveles.
Upon reaching the area, the Honda Civic allegedly encroached into the lane of the tanker truck, resulting in a collision.
Authorities said the impact generated sparks that ignited the tanker’s cargo of about 24,000 liters of diesel and 6,000 liters of gasoline, triggering a fire that engulfed the tanker and caused fuel to spill along portions of the highway.
The injured occupants of the Honda Civic were rushed to Bataan General Hospital, where the 48-year-old female passenger was later declared dead.
The remaining victims continue to receive medical treatment.
The tanker truck driver sustained only minor injuries.
Firefighters from the Orion and Limay fire stations responded to the scene and were able to extinguish the fire at around 6:15 p.m.
The Bataan Police said the incident remains under investigation, with human error cited as the initial cause.
Authorities reminded motorists to exercise caution when traveling along Roman Highway.