Ceres bus hits another Ceres bus in Boljoon

A Ceres bus fell into a four-meter deep ditch beside the road when it hit another Ceres bus traveling from the opposite direction in Poblacion, Boljoon town yesterday morning.

Bearing plate number FVW-559, the passenger bus was driven by 33-year-old Alexis Bontigao, a resident of Lahug, Cebu City. It was bound for Cebu City from Boljoon when it hit the other Ceres bus bound for Bacolod City from Cebu City driven by Alejo Guarnes, 52, of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.

SPO1 Roderick Roma yesterday told The FREEMAN that according to the witnesses, the bus driven by Bontigao was travelling fast while chasing another bus, a unit of Sun Rays Bus Liner, that was traveling ahead.

Roma said that upon reaching the curved road in the area, Bontigao suddenly overtook the Sun Rays bus but suddenly encountered the other Ceres bus, bearing plate number FWD-784, driven by Guarnes.

The other Ceres bus had not reportedly blew its horns as it emerged from the blind curve, which Roma said is an accident-prone area.

Roma said that Bontigao tried to maneuver back to the right side of the road to avoid collision but the bus' side mirrors hit those of the other Ceres bus, prompting him to lose control.

"Ang ulo sa bus kay natungkad sa yuta unya ang lobot naa sa kilid sa dalan," said Roma, adding that the Bontigao-driven bus hit the fence of the Club Fort Med Resort when it fell off the road.

Bontigao suffered minor injuries in different parts of his body and was brought to the Boljoon Health Center. However, some of his passengers who sustained minor scratches refused treatment.

Bontigao reportedly only had less than 15 passengers while the Guarnes-driven bus was loaded with passengers.

Roma said that an employee of the resort went to their station to complain about the damaged fence while some representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways have also complained over the damaged road railings.

He, however, said the Ceres management is set to meet with the complainants for an amicable settlement. - Norvie S. Misa/LPM