17 hurt as jeep falls into ditch

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Seventeen passengers were rushed to the hospital for bruises and scratches after the jeepney they were riding fell into a two-meter ditch along the national highway in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The jeep was bound for Piddig town from this city when its driver lost control while negotiating a sharp curve. Reports said it hit a road railing before falling into the ditch.