Wednesday, June 2, 2010

News update 15 dead in minibus accident in Philippines

BAGUIO, Philippines, June 2, 2010 (AFP) – Fifteen people died and another 15 were injured when a minibus fell into a ravine in the mountainous northern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

The minibus was driving on a narrow dirt road in the northern Mountain Province on Tuesday when it swerved and fell into a 75-metre (250-foot) ravine, said provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Fortunato Albas.

The vehicle was packed with people who were returning from a victory party for a village candidate in last month's elections, he added.

Heavy rains had made the road slippery, possibly leading to the accident, Albas said.

Minibus safety: A code of practice