BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
One person died while 39 others were injured after a bus crashed into the provincial arch between Benguet and La Union in Barangay Bilis, Burgos, La Union on the evening of April 24.
The bus, traveling from Baguio City to Candon City, lost control while descending a sloped road.
According to a passenger, the bus began speeding up before it crashed, and loud brake noises were heard moments before impact.
Passengers broke the windows to escape, while residents, including Jemar Carvajal, rushed to help.
Authorities managed to rescue the trapped driver and conductor after almost an hour.
The injured were immediately brought to the hospital, but a 41-year-old female passenger was later declared dead.
The bus driver was identified as Hernanie Marquez, 44, and the conductor as Benjie Geron, 33.
Initial investigations by the Burgos Police suggest that a mechanical defect might have caused the accident.
Witnesses reported that the driver struggled to shift gears after possibly losing the brakes.
Residents noted that this was not the first time an accident had occurred at the site.
The police investigation continues, and the bus driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, multiple physical injuries, and homicide.
