1 killed, scores hurt as 2 buses collide

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – A woman was killed and more than a dozen were injured when two buses collided Saturday morning at the boundary of Santiago City in neighboring Isabela province.

Police said a Dalin Liner bus crashed into an RVT Tours bus in Sinsayon village as it tried to overtake a funeral procession.

Senior Superintendent Severino Abad Jr., Santiago City police director, said the Dalin bus also hit several motorcycles in the cortege.

The lone fatality was identified as Imelda Ramos, 51.

Ramos, of Echague town’s Soyung village, was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Ramos’ husband, Geronimo, 57, who was driving their Honda wave motorcycle, was among those injured.

The Dalin Liner bus driver identified as Jay-jay Babas reportedly escaped after the accident. His conductor, however, told police that Babas lost control of the vehicle after its brakes malfunctioned. – Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig