11 killed as jeepney falls into ravine in Mt. Province

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines  – Eleven people were killed when a passenger jeepney fell into a deep ravine in Mountain Province last Sunday.

At least 10 passengers were still being treated for serious injuries at a hospital in Bontoc town, Lt. Col. Steve Crespillo, chief of the 54th Infantry Battalion of the Gamu, Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division said.

Six died instantly due to multiple injuries: Sherleene Benis, Maryanne Campoli, Chuwarey Arokod, Jonalyn Sallongen, Teresa Arochay and Chagon Chamkas.

Those who died while being treated at the Bontoc General Hospital were Adelene Dumaksyon, Helen Lachika, Chanda Chamkas, Delia Sumilao and Melvin Arochay. Four escaped injury.

Reports said 30 passengers were in the jeepney with plate number ACZ-135 when it plunged into a 150-meter cliff while navigating a steep stretch of the provincial road along Barangay Upper Balikyan in Bontoc capital at around 3:30 p.m.

Provincial police chief William Bequeno said the jeepney driver Donnie Dulawan, who survived the accident, reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

Dulawan and the jeepney owner, Ruben Piska, are now under police custody, reports said.   

Aside from overloading, reports also indicated that the incident could be due to poor road condition as well as the unstable slopes along the roadside.

Reports stated that the incident happened after a piece of luggage fell off while ascending the road’s steep portion, prompting the driver to stop near the roadside.

The soil, however, reportedly gave way, causing the passengers to panic and jump off. The vehicle then started to roll down, until it plunged into the river.

Many accidents in the country were blamed on poorly maintained vehicles and roads, inadequate driver training and weak traffic law enforcement. – With Artemio Dumlao, AP