ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Six persons died while 17 others were injured when a passenger bus rolled over in Aurora town in Zamboanga del Sur on Sunday.
The fatalities were identified as Kent John Lachica, 7, and his sisters Jorelyn, 14, and Clenie Chiarra, 16; Lilia Billetes, 60; Jhecyl Nicdao, 2; and Revin John Languyan, 3 months old.
The Lachica siblings died at the scene while the three others died while being treated at a hospital.
The Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. bus with license plate KWA-252 was loaded with 43 passengers when it figured in an accident in Barangay Anonang at about 12:10 p.m., said Zamboanga del Sur police director Senior Superintendent Sopronio Elcaldre.
The bus came from Pagadian City and was heading for Cagayan de Oro when the accident happened. Investigators said bus driver Biato Dumpa Jr. was negotiating a downhill road when it reportedly developed engine trouble and rolled over.
The passengers were brought to the hospital by the villagers, who rescued most of them.
Elcaldre said Dumpa, who was among those injured, was held for questioning while the bus was impounded.