MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Tragedy struck in Damulog, Bukidnon, on August 11, 2025, when a Nissan passenger van collided with a speeding trailer truck, claiming the life of the driver and injuring six passengers from a monastery in Barangay San Jose, Malaybalay City

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Damulog, the accident occurred around 3:47 p.m. at Purok 3, Quarry, Barangay Sampagar.

Emergency responders quickly rushed to the scene to assist the victims.

The van driver, 65-year-old Alfredo Lagrimas, was tragically trapped inside the vehicle and declared dead on arrival at Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Kibawe.

The six passengers—five Benedictine nuns from San Jose Master Eclesial and one monk from the Abbey of the Transfiguration—sustained bruises and other injuries. They were later transferred to a hospital in Malaybalay and are reported to be in stable condition despite the severity of the collision.

Initial reports indicate that the white passenger van was bound for Polomolok, South Cotabato, for official travel, while the trailer truck, heading to Cagayan de Oro City, was reportedly speeding without cargo at the time of the crash.

Authorities confirmed that the trailer truck driver is now in police custody as investigations into the circumstances of the accident continue.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and cautious driving, particularly on highways frequently used by public and private vehicles alike. (melbmadera)

Rescuers from the Local Government Unit of Damulog remove the deceased driver of a passenger van after he was trapped inside following a collision with a speeding trailer truck in Purok 3, Quarry, Brgy. Sampagar, Damulog, Bukidnon, on the afternoon of August 11, 2025. Five nuns and one monk, passengers from a monastery in San Jose, Malaybalay City, sustained injuries but are now in stable condition at a hospital in Malaybalay City. (Damulog MDRRMO)