2 dead, 13 hurt as bus plunges into canal

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two passengers of a Rural Transit of Mindanao bus died on the spot while 13 others suffered injuries when the vehicle plunged into a highway canal in Davao City last Friday, authorities said.

The two fatalities were identified as Leodegario Balaga and Babina Baylon, 51, of the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Valencia, respectively.

Police are looking into reports that the bus driver, Henry Tagaro, 39, who suffered bruises on the forehead, might have fallen asleep while driving, sending the bus plunging into the highway canal in Barangay Lacson, Calinan district in Davao City.

Those injured — 11 passengers and two bus personnel — were rushed to the Robillo Hospital and Davao Medical Center. — Ben Serrano