Deadly Bus Accident in Dumingag Town Shocks Communities
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — A tragic bus accident in Dumingag town shook local communities on Thursday morning when a bus carrying students from Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte, plunged into a ravine. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8 a.m., resulted in two fatalities and left 27 passengers injured.
The bus was en route to Pagadian City, where most of the passengers were scheduled to participate in an event related to the Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC). Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying 40 passengers, including 29 students from St. Joseph College in Sindangan.
Details of the Incident and Rescue Efforts
Ronnie Villanueva, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer of Zamboanga del Sur, reported that the accident took place in Barangay Mahayahay. Local responders and barangay peacekeepers quickly arrived at the scene to assist the victims.
According to Villanueva, one of the deceased, a student named Roy Bermudez, was found dead at the accident site. Another victim, an elderly passenger, was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead by medical personnel. Meanwhile, 27 others sustained various injuries and have been receiving medical care.
Student Passengers and Activity Details
Marthur Romero, coordinator of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) at St. Joseph College, confirmed the number of student passengers. He noted that the students involved were in their second and third years of college and were enrolled in the advanced ROTC track of the NSTP.
However, Romero was not fully aware of the specific activity planned for the students in Pagadian City. Local leaders noted that the students were traveling for a military-related event tied to their ROTC training.
Community and Official Response
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident while prioritizing the care and support for the injured. The tragedy has prompted calls for heightened road safety measures, especially for vehicles carrying students and large groups.
Local officials expressed their condolences to the families affected and emphasized the importance of swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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