by: Charles Nikko Limon
A delivery truck tipped over along the uphill section of the Circumferential Road in Barangay Bakakeng Norte-Sur after the driver lost control, prompting residents to renew calls for a stricter ban on trucks passing through the area.
Christian Pacio, who drove from Rosario, La Union to deliver probiotic drinks in Baguio City, said his vehicle could no longer climb the steep road.
“It couldn’t handle first gear anymore. I stopped briefly, but the brakes gave out, so the truck just rolled backward,” Pacio said.
The truck slid into a concrete parapet and overturned, scattering its cargo of bottled products across the road.
“We had wheel stoppers, sir, but they jumped off. I was backing slowly, but when the engine and brakes finally gave way, there was nothing I could do,” he added.
Residents like Imee Moises said they woke up to the sound of the accident. “We just heard something speeding uphill, then suddenly it toppled over,” she said.
Although the truck helper was unharmed, the vehicle leaked oil onto the road, delaying motorists who had no choice but to wait for it to be removed.
“I’m very late already. I’ll just explain to my boss that there was an accident,” one motorist said.
Residents urged authorities to strictly enforce the ban on heavy trucks along the road. “We’ve had vehicles roll back here before. We immediately run outside for safety,” Moises said.
Baguio police said they consistently issue reminders to motorists.
“We patrol the area and post reminders that heavy vehicles are not allowed there, but some drivers still insist on passing through,” BCPO spokesperson PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron said.
The Western Link Circumferential Road is one of the city’s accident-prone areas and is designated for light vehicles only.
