By: Vanessa Bugtong
An SUV overturned along Ilusorio Drive in Pacdal, Baguio City early Thursday morning, June 6, after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.
According to responders from 911 On Call Baguio, the SUV was headed toward the city’s central business district when it began rolling backward while climbing a steep part of the road.
It eventually toppled onto the sidewalk, damaging its windshield and side panel.
“It was a self-accident. The driver allegedly lost control of the steering wheel, which caused the vehicle to flip,” said Rafael “Paeng” Valencia, founder of 911 On Call Baguio, in a phone interview.
No other vehicles were involved, and authorities quickly responded to the scene.
The SUV was removed from the area past 8:00 AM.
As of June, the city has recorded 320 vehicular traffic incidents this year, a nearly 40 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Most of these cases are attributed to mechanical issues or driver error.
“There are incidents that are due to mechanical defects, but usually it’s the driver’s error,” said PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron, public information officer of the Baguio City Police Office.
So far this year, eight of these cases have led to charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.
There are also 258 cases involving physical injuries and 54 involving damage to property.
