25 killed as Philippine bus plunges into ravine

At least 25 people were killed and 22 injured when a
passenger bus crashed into a deep ravine in the
mountainous northern Philippines on Tuesday ,
authorities said .
The bus plunged about 24 metres (80 feet ) in the
upland province of Nueva Ecija before noon after its
brakes failed while travelling on a windy road, police
and local officials said.
“ The vehicle is totally wrecked , ” said senior
inspector Robert De Guzman , police chief of the town
of Carranglan where the accident occurred. The
impact appeared to have ripped the top off the
vehicle , he added.
“ Almost all of the passengers , both dead and injured ,
were found outside the bus .”
Authorities were still investigating the cause of the
accident but Carranglan Mayor Mary Abad told ABS -
CBN television there were 60 passengers onboard
although the bus had a capacity of only 45.
Abad added the wounded , some of whom sustained
critical injuries , were rushed to nearby hospitals .
“ The road is really risky. There are many ravines
along that road going to Abra, ” Abad said , referring
to the northern province where the bus was headed.
Dr . Arlene Jara , chief of the nearby provincial
hospital treating the wounded , said children were
among those injured .
Road accidents are common in the
Philippines, where old , badly maintained buses ply
poorly lit roads . Poor road habits and drivers
working long hours also contribute to frequent
mishaps .