12 dead as truck loses control after blowing a tire and collides with minibus in Philippines

12 killed as truck hits minibus in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Police say a truck blew a tire and smashed head-on into a minibus in the northern Philippines, killing 12 people and injuring 15.

Cagayan Valley police director Roberto Damian says the tractor-trailer was traveling at high speed Monday when one of its tires burst causing the driver to lose control and veer into the opposite lane.

Some of the passengers were students on their way to school. The truck driver survived the crash but the driver of the minibus was killed.

Poor vehicle maintenance and bad roads are blamed for many traffic accidents in the Philippines.

(This version CORRECTS location of collision)