BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

A mini dump truck loaded with dry goods plunged into an eight-meter-deep ravine in Barangay Pantikian, Balbalan, Kalinga, on the morning of May 8.

According to the Balbalan Municipal Police Station, they received a call from a concerned citizen at around 9 a.m. about the incident.

Responders from the police and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately proceeded to the scene.

The vehicle was carrying dry goods such as clothes, drinking glasses, and other household items. Police said the truck was driven by 39-year-old Ryan Loreche from Tuguegarao City.

Loreche reportedly struggled to drive uphill on a steep portion of the road and asked his wife, who was with him inside the truck, to get off for safety.

He attempted to drive up alone, but the truck stalled at the top, lost control, and slid backward into the ravine.

Fortunately, Loreche was able to exit the truck quickly and seek help from nearby residents.

Community members worked together to assist at the site.

Loreche sustained minor injuries, including a scrape on his right leg, and was brought to a nearby hospital.

The truck was later pulled out from the ravine.