Hanging bridge breaks; 1 dead, 4 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A high school senior drowned while four others sustained injuries when they fell into a river after a dilapidated hanging bridge they were crossing gave way in Quezon province yesterday morning.

Senior Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Quezon police director, said the five students of the Macalelon High School were on their five-day camping activity along with 45 others and were on their way to Baybay beach when the incident took place at around 10:45 a.m. yesterday.

Velazquez said Abigail Palo, 15, was declared dead on arrival at the Gumaca Hospital. The four injured were identified as Carmedel Formaran, 13; Paulo Aviles, 13; Kinley Dean, 14; and Lealyn Bagayan, 13.

Senior Inspector Henrich Alafriz, police chief of Macalelon town, said the students had to cross the dilapidated hanging bridge, about 15 to 20 years old, on their way to the beach, but it collapsed, sending the victims plunging about seven feet below.