6-12-2023 (MANILA) A tragic incident unfolded in the central province of Antique, Philippines, when a bus carrying dozens of passengers lost control of its brakes and plummeted off a cliff. The devastating accident claimed the lives of at least 16 people, according to local authorities on Wednesday (Dec 6).
Governor Rhodora Cadiao of Antique revealed that eight individuals were in critical condition, receiving treatment at local hospitals, while four others were reported to be in stable condition. This update came after initial reports suggested a higher death toll of 28, as reported by local media.
The ill-fated passenger bus, originating from Iloilo province, was en route to the town of Culasi in Antique on Tuesday afternoon. Tragedy struck when the bus experienced a malfunction in its braking system while navigating a winding road, causing it to plunge a staggering 30 meters down into a ravine, as explained by Governor Cadiao.
The area where the accident occurred has been ominously dubbed the “killer curve,” as this was the second bus incident in which a vehicle had fallen off there, Governor Cadiao added.
Retrieval operations have ceased after all visible bodies at the crash site were successfully recovered, as announced by the provincial government of Antique on their official Facebook page. However, the exact number of passengers onboard the bus, initially estimated to be 53, is yet to be verified, the government statement further stated.
The Philippines has long been plagued by lax regulation of public transportation and inadequately maintained roads, which have contributed to a concerning number of accidents.
