Firefighters injured after freak truck accident

Seven firefighters were injured while rushing to a fire scene in Bacolod City Sunday, after their fire truck's brake malfunctioned and the vehicle fell on its side. A report on Visayan Daily Star said the incident occurred at Singcang Airport village at about 8:55 a.m. Sunday. The injured firemen were identified as Senior Fire Officer 2 Jerry Pardilla, Senior Fire Officer 1 Saldy Ba-at and Fire Officer 3 Edgar Mabute. Pardilla sustained head and chest injuries, Ba-at suffered head and neck injuries, while Mabute had injuries on his head and right middle finger. Also injured were civilian fire volunteers Martin Umilig, whose pelvic bone was fractured, Eddie Francisco, whose right leg was ruptured, Roberto Nieva, whose right hand was fractured and Palomar Ba-at, who sustained minor injuries. Except for Palomar Ba-at, who was not confined, the injured firemen and civilian fire volunteers are now being treated at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center. Investigation showed the victims were on board Fire Engine 054 Morita Fire Truck 1979 model driven by Mabute and were on their way to Palmas del Mar Village and Beach Club in Brgy. Singcang-Airport to respond to a grass fire. - RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV