At least 11 people were killed after two passenger vehicles collided in the southern Philippine city of General Santos on October 22.

Illustrative image (Source: BBC)

Officials revealed on October 23 that the accident happened when a passenger van crashed into an oncoming jeepney during a heavy downpour along a highway in Batomelong village.

Chief Inspector Yol Hilado, district police chief in the area, said that one of the van's tires blew, causing the vehicle to careen and hit the jeepney around 3:45 p.m (Philippines time).

Most of the dead were passengers of the van while drivers of both vehicles are among the injured.

Investigations into the incident were underway.

The Philippines has seen an increase in deaths related to road accidents in recent years.

Over 10,000 Filipinos are killed due to traffic accidents every year, which have been blamed on bad road conditions, poorly-maintained vehicles and ill-disciplined drivers.

(Source: VNA/ DA NANG Today)