THE first Sunday of the year was bloody in Batangas as seven persons perished in a three-vehicle pile-up – all members of one clan.

The tragic accident almost wiped out the Festejo clan. Francisco, Zosimo, Joy, Elizardo, Laurence, and Jermel died on the spot while Maricris Festejo died at the Batangas Regional Hospital. Four other Festejos were injured – Frank Ace, Marilyn, Anabel and Aron.

The victims had just come from vacation in Batangas and were on their way home when tragedy struck.

Police said a Gasat passenger bus going to Batangas City tried to overtake a car along the Star tollways in Barangay Sabang at 1:15 p.m. and smashed into the Festejos’ passenger jeepney coming from the opposite direction. Another vehicle, a Nissan Exalta with plate number SFB-447, was hit by the bus.

The bus driver was arrested and detained. He will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and serious injuries and damage to property, police said.

The names of the other victims are still being established, said Batangas police office director Senior Supt. Alberto Supapo.