MANILA, Philippines: Seventeen people, including a Kenyan, tragically lost their lives when a passenger bus veered off a road notorious for its dangerous curve and plunged down a mountain in the central Philippines, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The bus was traveling in Hamtic municipality in Antique province when the accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, according to Roderick Train, head of the provincial disaster agency.
Among the passengers were four Kenyans, most of whom were residents of Antique, as revealed by Governor Rhodora Cadiao in an interview with local radio station DZRH.
Cadiao expressed her concern about the recurring accidents on the road, referring to the location as a “killer curve” and mentioning that it was not the first incident involving a Ceres bus on that stretch.
The ravine where the bus plunged was densely forested and approximately 30 meters (100 feet) deep, according to Cadiao.
Train stated that seven individuals, including one of the Kenyans, were in critical condition in the hospital, while four others were stable. He described the section of the road as “accident-prone.”
The condition of the other two Kenyans remains unclear at this time.
“Due to the mountainous terrain, the bus fell from a significant height, resulting in multiple casualties,” Train explained. “Based on witness accounts, it appears to be a mechanical failure, possibly a brake failure, which caused the driver to lose control.”
Following the accident, Governor Cadiao personally visited the hospital where survivors were receiving treatment for their injuries. She assured them of government assistance for medical and funeral expenses of the victims.
Train confirmed that the search and rescue operation had concluded, and authorities would now focus on retrieving the bus from the ravine.
“We conducted search operations for the bodies until this morning,” Train shared. “The process of going up and down was physically demanding.”
Unfortunately, deadly road accidents are all too common in the Philippines, where drivers often disregard traffic regulations, and vehicles are frequently poorly maintained or overloaded.
The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the country.
Efforts should be made to address the specific challenges posed by treacherous mountain roads, such as regular maintenance of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as implementing measures to prevent brake failures and other mechanical issues.
Additionally, driver training and education programs should be enhanced to promote responsible driving behavior and ensure that drivers are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate challenging road conditions safely.
Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating the general population about the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and the potential consequences of reckless driving.
By taking these proactive steps, the Philippines can work towards reducing the number of road accidents and preserving precious lives.
It is our hope that this tragic incident will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting authorities and stakeholders to prioritize road safety and undertake the necessary measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Source: The Manila Times
