Mandaue City Truck Accident Death Toll Rises to Three After Brake Failure
The death toll from a devastating road accident in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City, has increased to three, as the third victim, who was initially in critical condition, succumbed to injuries on Sunday morning, April 12, 2026. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, along B. Suico Street near Amado Junkshop, following a catastrophic brake failure in a truck that led to multiple collisions.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to the Mandaue City Police Office, the accident involved a Mitsubishi Fuso tractor head with a trailer, driven by 36-year-old Teodie Punay Ycot of Consolacion, Dalaguete, Cebu. The truck was ascending toward M. Ceniza Street when its brakes malfunctioned during a turn on an elevated section of the road. Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro-Kantuna, spokesperson for the Mandaue City Police Office, stated, "The driver reported hearing a popping sound from the engine area just before the brakes failed. He said that while going uphill, he stepped on the brake, but it suddenly lost its ability, causing the vehicle to roll backward uncontrollably."
The truck's backward motion resulted in it striking two motorcycles along B. Suico Street and ultimately crashing into a nearby house. The motorcycles were dragged underneath the truck upon impact, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. One rider managed to escape unharmed by jumping off his motorcycle, but his passenger was among those killed.
Victims and Immediate Aftermath
The victims involved in the accident were identified as:
- Marvin Ocampo Dayuha, 38, driver of the first motorcycle, with backrider Adeline Mediana, 34.
- Larry Juan Bahita, 30, driver of the second motorcycle, with passenger Marilyn Cuambot, 37.
All victims were rushed to Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital, where two female passengers were declared dead on arrival. The third victim later died while undergoing treatment, bringing the total fatalities to three. Villaro-Kantuna confirmed, "The motorcycle riders and passengers were immediately brought to the hospital, but two were already dead on arrival. Another victim later died while undergoing treatment, bringing the total number of fatalities to three."
In addition to the casualties, the crash damaged a house owned by 52-year-old Edgardo Mercado de Guzman. Fortunately, no one inside the residence was injured, and police reported that the property owner has since reached a settlement with the truck driver.
Driver's Account and Legal Proceedings
The driver, now in police custody, insisted the crash was unintentional, attributing it to sudden brake failure. He explained, "I was going uphill when another truck passed at high speed. When I tried to brake, something burst, and the brakes stopped working. The truck rolled backward, and I couldn't control it anymore." He added that he deliberately steered the truck toward a wall to prevent further casualties, saying, "I chose to hit the wall because if I had continued straight, more people could have died. I'm sorry to the families. I never intended this. It was a tragic accident."
Authorities are preparing to file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property against the driver. Investigators are continuing to determine whether mechanical failure alone caused the accident or if other factors contributed. Police have also issued a reminder to motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and to exercise extra caution, especially when driving on steep or elevated roads.
