Two senior citizens were among the seven individuals killed when their truck tumbled on its side in a highway in Silay City, Negros Occidental on Friday (June 27).


At least 27 other persons were injured during the accident that took place in Barangay Guimbala-on.



Killed on the spot were identified as Alexander Balili, 66; Edlie Naguita, 65; Richer Dimson, 52; Rafael Jardiolin Jr. , 57 and Leonilo Jerson, 38.



Two other victims, Marlon Amarado, 36 and Jaime Bangis died minutes after they were brought for treatment at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.



Silay City police chief Lt. Col. Mark Darocca said the injured were brought to the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital for treatment,



Five of these victims remained in critical condition as of press time.



Witnesses told the police that the truck was traveling near Hacienda Paho when the acccident took place.



All passengers were volunteer workers of the city government on their way back to the city hall. The group came from a tree planting program near Sitio Lantawan.



Mayor Joedith Gallego said the truck is owned by the city.



Truck driver Hernani Masa, who is among the injured, reportedly lost control of the vehicle, apparently after losing its breaks. As a result the vehicle reportedly lost its balance and rolled over.