MANILA, July 18 (Xinhua) -- At least seven died and several others were injured when a speeding truck overturned Wednesday on a highway in Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines.

Police said the truck lost control, swerved off the highway and onto the grass, and rolled onto its left side. The truck also slammed into two parked vehicles before crashing on its side, police said.

The incident happened in the city's Dao village shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, police said.

Villagers helped pull the injured passengers to the side of the highway while ambulances rushed the victims to a local hospital.

Police said the truck was carrying villagers of Cogonan who were beneficiaries of the government's conditional cash transfer.

In the Philippines, the government is using a cash transfer program to provide payments to poor families who comply with conditions such as sending children to school, ensuring they receive regular checkup, and participating in nutrition programs.