ITOGON, Benguet January 18 – Twenty nine people cheated death after a Baguio-bound passenger jeepney reportedly plunged into a 25-meter deep ravine at Midas, Ucab, here, Tuesday afternoon.
Police authorities said nine of the victims were released after being provided with medical treatment in various hospitals in Itogon and Baguio City while nineteen of them were confined in the different hospitals for further observation due to the seriousness of the injuries they sustained as a result of the accident.
Those confined in the different hospitals include Loreto Liwan Soriano, 57, married; Danny Pacio Malasmas Sr., 50, married; Melody Pacio Pangaton, 30, single; Jamieke Taynan Mabitasan, 4 yrs old; Ivan Dapnisan Malasmas, 15; Nathalie Pacio Pangaton, 22, single; Jackielyn Pangaton Mabitasan, 35, married; Eriña Dimino Palista, 61, married; Ernesto Tonggalong Waclin, 64, married; Jeanjie Malasmas Sagobo; Lemuel Lubata Palista, 13; James Palista Dapnisan, 42, single; Arsenio Malasmas Dapnisan, 36, single; and Sam Coldeg Sagobo, 50, married.
Initial police investigation showed the passenger jeepney where the victims were on board came from a wake in Tabuan when upon reaching the place of incident, the vehicle allegedly suffered from mechanical trouble causing it to move backwards until it plunged into the ravine.
Responders led by the Benguet Corporation (BC) rescue team, Itogon rescuers and Baguio City volunteers immediately responded to the accident scene and retrieved the individuals from the wreckage of the vehicle.
The victims were rushed to the different hospitals in Itogon and Baguio City where they were accorded the necessary medical treatment by attending physicians.
By Dexter A. See