Student dies, 24 hurt in San Carlos City accident

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines — A 15-year-old high school student was killed while 24 other passengers, among them a school principal and 11 minors, were injured in a vehicular accident in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

Jeffrey Paz, a student of Bagonbon National High School, was declared dead on arrival at the San Carlos Doctors’ Hospital, while among those injured were principal Jocelyn Sumilhig, and teachers Eva Benlot, Jerlinda Deocampo, Josephine Sandag and Eva Benlot.

Superintendent Harold Tuzon, San Carlos City Police chief, said the mechanical brake of the mini-passenger bus malfunctioned while negotiating a down slope at sitio Walos in Brgy. Bagonbon of San Carlos City, causing the vehicle to fall into a ditch and turn turtle.

The 24 injured, including the driver and 11 minors, were rushed to the San Carlos Doctor’s Hospital. 

Michael Baraquia, the driver of the mini-bus, is now in custody of the police, pending further investigation of the incident.