Bus falls off cliff in Quezon; 2 dead, 37 injured

PAGBILAO, Quezon, Philippines — Two people died while 37 others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in Pagbilao, Quezon on Monday night.

The fatalities ­– identified only as Sonny, 34, and Ian, 31 – were declared dead on arrival at the Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City.

Reports said the DLTB Yutong bus was traveling along the New Diversion Road in Barangay Silangang Malicboy at around 8 p.m. when it figured in the accident.

The bus, which was headed to Manila from Daet in Camarines Norte, reportedly developed engine trouble, causing the driver to lose control of the wheel, probers said.

Responding members of a local rescue team and firefighters rushed the victims to different hospitals for treatment of injuries.

Most of the victims were immediately discharged after receiving treatment.

The bus driver had to be confined for further treatment.

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, a 13-year-old boy died after his bicycle crashed into a dump truck parked along the highway in San Ildefonso town on Monday night.

The boy was declared dead on arrival at the R. de C. Galvez Medical Center, according to Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, Central Luzon police director.

Probers said the boy might have failed to notice the dump truck, which was undergoing a tire change along M. Valte Road in Barangay Gabihan.

Truck driver Juan Tagao was taken to the police station for questioning. — Ramon Efren Lazaro