THE supposed happy vacation of a family ended in tragedy when the L-300 van they were riding on Wednesday morning crashed into a tree in Naic, Cavite.
The fatalities were identified as Jether Tatel Ayuban, the 27-year-old driver of the ill-fated L-300 van; Jamie Alibanto Vasquez, Ralph Noel Almoguera Vasquez, Norilie Brocales Vasquez, Lea Alibanto Vasquez and Geronimo Canaway Dela Cruz, all residents of Cogeo, Antipolo City
Eleven others are in serious condition at the hospital. Eight of them were identified as Bernardo Taño, Ariel Rivera, Pante Bry Precillano, Noel Vasquez, Jamin Vasquez, Fernando Rañon, Sanito Brocales and Jackie Vasquez, all of Cogeo, Antipolo City.
All victims were reportedly related to each other.
The victims were riding the L-300 van driven by Ayuban when upon reaching Governor’s Drive in Bgy. Sabang, they crashed into a large tree on the side of the highway at 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The impact pinned the driver and his passengers inside the van.
An investigation by Cpl. Robinson M Tercia showed the victims came from Bicol where they spent their Christmas and New Year vacation and were on their way home to Cubao, Quezon City when they met the accident.
The van had just dropped a passenger in this town when it slammed into a tree, authorities said.
Probers suspected that due to the length of the trip, the driver might had fallen asleep that caused the accident.

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