13 dead in Buguias accident buried: Cordi 3rd among regions with most road accidents

By Carlito C. Dar

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet– Public clamor for the government to install preventive railings along the Halsema Highway with the latest serious accident on June 8 when 13 persons were killed when the van they were riding in fell down a cliff in Buguias, Benguet.

This, as the Cordillera ranked third among regions in the country, with most number of road accident victims with 294 injuries and 26 deaths last year, according to the the Department of Health.

Authorities said human error was reason for the vehicle’s fall. The seriously hurt driver identified as Ambrosio Menzi, admitted in a television interview he was “naidlip ” or suddenly fell asleep causing the vehicle to fall down the mountainside.

Most of the victims were buried as of press time.

Senior Supt. Davy Limmong, spokesperson for the Cordillera police, said the Ford Fiera was smashed into pieces after it plunged into a ravine 80 meters from the cliff.

Ten passengers died on the spot, while three others died while being rushed to or treated in a hospital.

Reports said the jeepney truck was headed to Abatan, Buguias around 2 p.m. when it fell down the ravine.

According to authorities, the jeepney swerved out of control causing it to fall down the mountainside..

There was reportedly reduced visibility on the road prior to the accident, as heavy rain fell with thick fog enveloping the accident site.

Killed during the accident were: Biana Olsim, Bino Waclin, Alfredo Pattian, Arnaldo Madiano, EmaTosay, Marietta Gaspili, Ril Waclin, Manuel Langbis, Melania Madiano, Ferdilyn Igualdo, Kimberly Waclin, Melanio Igualdo and Melin Dasdas.

The jeepney was reportedly coming from a victory party by elected Buguias Mayor MelchorDiclas.

The families of the victims said they would no longer file charges against Menzi.

The victims, who were neighbors, were on their way home from a victory party of re-elected Buguias Mayor Melchor Diclas when the incident happened. 

Meanwhile, DOH Center for Health and Development – Cordillera engineer Basilio Munar told a media forum that based on their records  from January to May 24 this year, road accidents  resulted to 218 persons injured while 19 died, which is an increase compared to the same period in 2012 with 180 injuries and death.

He said if motorists will not put road safety in their priority when  traveling, they expect figures to surpass the 294 injuries and 26 death recorded in 2012.

Causes of road accidents, Munar said, are attributed to mechanical failure and lack or no discipline of drivers such as over-speeding, using cellular phones while driving or under influence of alcohol or drugs.

Munar reiterated the DOH acronym BLOWBAGS of ensuring road safety which means checking breaks, lights, oil, water, battery, air (tires), gas, and self (condition to drive), before going on a trip.