LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines– At least 27 people, including nine minors, suffered injuries when a passenger bus lost its brakes, causing it to fall into a shallow ravine in Pilar, Sorsogon early yesterday morning, authorities said.
Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the Pamar Bus unit, which had come from Metro Manila and was en route to the Pilar town proper, was negotiating a sharp curve downhill when it lost its brakes, hit a roadside steel barrier and plunged into the ravine in Barangay Naspi in Pilar.
The bus driver, Efren Viñas, was among those injured.
The victims were brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital here and the Rural Health Unit in Pilar, police said.
Chief Inspector Rosalito Doluntap Gapan, Pilar police chief, said the bus (with license plate UVC 967), was a total wreck.
The bus, which reportedly had 30 passengers, was registered to one Rolando Bolante of Malilipot, Albay.
The 17-kilometer Pilar-Donsol Road is considered dangerous as it has treacherous turns and sharp curves. – Cet Dematera, Celso Amo