CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Two people died, and five others were injured after the sport utility vehicle (SUV) they were riding in crashed along the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Pampanga on Sunday afternoon (January 19).

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Central Luzon police director, identified the fatalities as Crisanto Catolico, the driver of the vehicle and a resident of 347 Sitio Pulo, San Isidro I, Paombong, Bulacan, and Vina Bersamina, one of the passengers.

The injured passengers were identified as Rodelina Bersamina Longares, Robina Bersamina, Rona Bersamina Asuncion, Precious Jolyn Bersamina Longares, and Ron Daniel Bersamina Asuncion, all residents of Barangay Cosili West, Bangued, Abra.

An initial investigation by NLEX traffic investigators revealed that the red mica metallic 2023 Toyota Rush SUV, with license plate NIR3056, was traveling along the NLEX northbound lane near Barangay San Rafael, Mexico, Pampanga, at around 1:20 p.m. when it allegedly attempted to overtake a pickup truck on the right side. The vehicle subsequently veered to the right, ran over two concrete bollards, and headed toward an embankment.

The front portion of the vehicle struck a narra tree, causing the driver and his six passengers to sustain severe injuries.

The victims were rushed to Dr. Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital by the Lifeline Ambulance of NLEX and the Mexico MDRRMO for medical treatment.

However, the attending physician declared the two fatalities dead on arrival.

📷 Markus Spiske, Pexels