Bus falls off cliff; 55 hurt

TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon, Philippines – Fifty-five people were injured when their bus fell into a ravine in this town on Monday.

The Hino Diamond Star bus (TYM 583) was traveling along Quirino Highway in Barangay San Vicente when it figured in the accident at around 8:30 p.m.

Town police chief Inspector Reynado Reyes said the bus could have developed engine trouble, causing the driver, Roger Bantilo, to lose control of the wheel.

The passengers were brought to Tagkawayan District Hospital for treatment by responding police officers and members of a local rescue team. Bantilo fled after the accident.