Jeepney Accident Injures Family in Negros Occidental Canal
Early Sunday morning, eight family members were hurt when the jeepney they were riding plunged into a canal in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental. The incident happened as they were heading to a college graduation, local leaders noted.
The victims, residents of Barangay Minautok, Calatrava, were traveling together when trouble struck. Police Major Sherwin Fernandez, the Murcia police chief, explained that the jeepney experienced mechanical failure. Specifically, the front right wheel came off, causing the driver to lose control and swerve into the canal.
Mechanical Failure, Not Weather, Caused Accident
Despite the rainy conditions that morning, authorities clarified that the weather was not a factor in the crash. “It was raining that morning, but it had nothing to do with the accident,” Fernandez said. Instead, the vehicle’s old condition was the primary cause.
The jeepney’s poor maintenance likely contributed to the wheel detaching, leading to the mishap. Fortunately, all eight victims sustained only minor injuries. They were promptly taken to a private hospital in Bacolod City and have since been discharged.
Family on Way to College Graduation
The family was en route to a school in Barangay Alegria, Murcia, to attend a college graduation ceremony. This unfortunate event interrupted their journey but, thankfully, did not result in serious harm.
Authorities urge vehicle owners to regularly maintain their vehicles to prevent similar accidents. They also remind the public to prioritize safety when traveling, especially during the rainy season.
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