By Muita Njambi
In a heartbreaking incident on Thursday, at least 11 people, including numerous members of a single family, were killed in a collision between a pickup truck and a passenger bus in the Philippines’ coastal Cagayan province.
The tragic crash occurred as the bus was traveling from the city of Baguio to Santa Ana in Cagayan province. The collision took place in Abulug, according to the Manila Times, citing the Philippine National Police.
Tragically, ten of the victims were members of a single family. They were returning home in the pickup truck after attending a relative’s funeral in the area. The devastating impact of the crash has left the community in mourning.
Five other people were injured in the accident, according to police chief Antonio Palattao. The injured included the bus driver and conductor. Fortunately, the 23 passengers on the bus were unharmed.
The police have arrested the bus driver and launched a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the collision and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in the Philippines. The country is known for its lax regulation of public transportation and poorly maintained roads. These issues have contributed to numerous accidents over the years.
In a similar tragic event, 17 people were killed in December when a bus plunged into a ravine in the central province of Antique. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for improved transportation policies and infrastructure.
The recent collision in Cagayan has once again brought attention to the critical issue of road safety in the Philippines. As families grieve the loss of their loved ones, the call for stricter regulations and better road maintenance grows louder.