Death toll in ravine plunge now 9

Tagaytay City – The death toll in a jeepney plunging into a 300-meter deep ravine in Tagaytay City last Monday afternoon has risen to nine, police said.

Superintendent William Segun, Tagaytay police chief, identified the fatalities as Fidel Tizon, Christopher Tizon, Margarita Llave, Gerardo Dimayuga, Rosita Dimayuga, Imelda Tizon, Eufrocinia Malabanan, Joy de Jesus, all residents of Barangay Dapdap East, Tagaytay City; and Florencia Dimillio of Carmona, Cavite.

Fifteen survivors, including five children and jeepney driver Bonifacio Ortilla, were rushed to Ospital ng Tagaytay and Estrella Hospital in Silang, Cavite for treatment.

Authorities said the victims were on their way to Barangay Ambulong in Tanauan City, Batangas from Barangay Dapdap, Tagaytay City to transport the remains of a relative when they met the accident in Sitio Labac, Barangay Sungay at around 1:45 p.m. Monday.

Police said the jeepney was part of a three-vehicle convoy, including an ambulance carrying the remains.

Ortilla said they were descending a sharp curved road when he lost control of the wheel as he avoided a tricycle, causing the jeepney to ram the metal road railing and plunge into the ravine.

Police have filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against Ortilla. – With Ed Amoroso