15 people killed in Philippines road accident

MANILA - Fifteen people were killed when a passenger minibus plunged into a 70-metre-deep ravine in the northern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

Fifteen more were also hurt in the accident Tuesday in Besao town in Mountain province, 285 km north of Manila, Senior Superintendent Fortunato Albas said.

Albas, the provincial police chief, said heavy rains made part of the mountain road collapse, causing the mini-bus to fall into the ravine while negotiating a slope.

Initial investigations also showed the minibus was overloaded with passengers, making it more difficult for the driver to manoeuvre on the slippery road.

Albas said the victims were on their way home after attending a victory party of a provincial board member in last month’s national and local elections.