Thursday, August 25, 2016

2 Dead, 1 Injured In A Car Accident Along Halsema Highway In Caliking, Atok, Benguet

Two people died and one person was injured when their car fell off a 100-meter ravine along a stretch of Halsema Highway in Kilometer 30, Caliking, Atok, Benguet. The accident occurred Friday morning (August 26). According to Bombo Radyo Baguio, a local radio station, the fatalities have been identified as Clifford Valdez (36 years old) and Estelita Valdez Sanchez. The one injured is Bradley Valdez. Bradley is currently being treated at the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH).

The three were reportedly on their way to Baguio City after attending a wake the night before in the nearby town of Buguias. Clifford, who was driving the vehicle, momentarily slept while holding on to the wheel, causing the car to swerve off the road and fell down the ravine.

Clifford Valdez was a police officer with a rank of SPO1 and Estelita Sanchez was a doctor. Bradley Valdez is the younger brother of Clifford.

Motorists plying the Halsema Highway are being advised to be more careful when driving through the road which is notorious for its sharp curves and drop-offs. If you are feeling sleepy, let someone else handle the wheel or better yet have some rest before going on the journey. Just a few seconds of dozing off while driving can cause the car to go off a cliff. Most of Halsema Highway isn't that wide, either. So the moment you get your bearings together, it would likely be too late.

So drive safely. And get some sleep before you hit the road.