Boy killed as Cebu bus plunges into ravine

CEBU CITY – A mini bus plunged into a 300-meter deep ravine in Sitio Maaslom, barangay Busay, early morning today, killing at least two persons, including a 10-year-old boy.    

 As of press time, two persons were already confirmed dead. A 50-year-old female passenger died of heart attack as a result of the accident while a 10-year-old boy was pinned to death on his metal seat, said Busay barangay chief Yody Sanchez. More than 40 persons were also injured.

At least three other passengers were still in critical condition inside a Cebu City hospital, authorities said.

Sanchez said the bus, owned by Barangay Sambag in downtown Cebu, was boarded by members of the Legion of Mary of the upper barangay Babag II on their way to a beach resort in Danao City when it plunged into the 300-meter deep ravine past 8 a.m. yesterday.

The bus, with a red plate number SHS 381, was part of a five-vehicle convoy that was on the way to a beach resort. It was a joy ride that ended into a tragedy, said 27-year-old Alicia, one of the passengers who sustained only minor injuries.

Bus driver Rufino Genogibis said he was maneuvering the sloppy road towards the city proper from the mountain barangay but the bus suddenly lost its brakes. He said he tried to hit the brakes but the bus went on and further picked-up speed.

“I tried hard to hit the brake but the bus did not respond and went out of control,” said Genogibis, who sustained only minor injuries. (CebuOnlineNews.com)