ONE passenger was killed and many others were injured Thursday morning, July 10, when a Rural Transit bus, reportedly carrying students for military reservist training, crashed in Zamboanga del Sur.
Initial reports indicate the driver lost control of the bus, causing it to fall off a shallow cliff along a dangerous curve in Purok 4, Barangay Mahayahay, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus was traveling from Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, and was reportedly transporting mostly students from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan Inc.
They were en route to Pagadian City for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) training when the accident occurred around 8:30 am.
“Looy mga pasahero naay patay, daghan bali,” Leizel Florida Japay shared in a Facebook post.
“Apiki sab gyod ang dalan dadtong dapita. May gani kay dili didto sa lalom nga area nahulog,” local resident Floricky Balucos said.
Roy Bermudez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Those injured were identified as John Dave Romango, John Malinog, John Mark Atad, Mc Gile Rusiana, Ian Patrick Sambo, Chobar Balili Iguana, Janrey Polistico, Laramae Cerello, Frederik Escultor, Aida Pelongo, Joseph Silvallana, Rhea Mae Ferolino, Jerico Tanguis, Ryza Mae Amud, Alfressa Dawn Ruates, Mary Mabasag, Maureen Mabasag, Arche Maloloy-on, Carl Lester Escuadro, John Daved Tabasa, Jerome Sarila, May Sereño, Princess Joy Mag-abo, Cleo Tambucoy, Mary Geraldine Farojinog, Jhon Mark Estrada, Jerrick Requilme, and Whelmer Mendez.
The victims were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. An investigation into the accident is ongoing.
