Image Credits- Seymour Telegraph
In a devastating incident in the Central Philippines, the death toll from a bus accident climbed to 17, with a passenger succumbing to severe injuries. The tragic event unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the central province of Antique, where a bus, carrying numerous passengers, plunged into a ravine due to brake failure, according to Governor Rhodora Cadiao’s announcement in a press conference.
Earlier reports from local media suggested that 28 individuals perished in the crash. Cadiao explained that the bus, en route from the neighbouring province of Iloilo to Culasi in Antique, faced a brake malfunction on a winding road, leading it to plummet 30 meters (98.5 feet) into the ravine. Cadiao informed DZRH radio station that it was the second bus incident at that spot.
Rescue efforts at the scene ceased once all visible bodies were recovered, as indicated by the Antique government on Facebook.
Cadiao, speaking to DZRH radio station, labelled the site as the “killer curve” and noted that it was the second instance of a bus accident at that location. She visited the hospital where survivors were receiving treatment and assured government support for the medical and funeral expenses of the victims.
Roderick Train, the head of the provincial disaster agency, conveyed that the mountainous terrain contributed to the severity of the bus accident, resulting in numerous casualties due to the high impact.
Describing the incident, Train reported, that according to witnesses, it was a mechanical failure, possibly a brake failure, as the driver lost control.
Train further explained that search operations for the bodies were carried out until the morning, requiring strenuous efforts due to the challenging terrain. The Antique government’s Facebook announcement noted the conclusion of rescue operations once all visible bodies were recovered.
The Philippines is known for its inadequate regulation of public transportation and poorly kept road infrastructure. Expressing discontent with the road’s condition, Cadiao stated the engineering design of this road was very faulty.