Three people were killed after a public utility van and a tricycle collided along Manicahan Highway in Zamboanga City on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities identified the fatalities as Berkis Sawadjaan and Jakaria Sawadjaan and their 6-year-old daughter, who were on the tricycle when the accident happened.

Two other children of the Sawadjaan couple were seriously injured.

Police said at least 9 passengers of the public utility van were brought to nearby hospitals after they sustained injuries.

PO2 Noel Francisco said the van veered into the opposite lane and collided with the oncoming tricycle.

Van driver Bogs Hadjail denied that he was driving at a high speed when the accident happened.

Francisco said the Sawadjaan family came from a mourning prayer in the village of Lubigan after one of their relatives died recently.

Should the family of the victims decide to pursue charges against Hadjail, a case of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries would be forwarded to the prosecutor's office Thursday.