2 killed, 17 injured in Batangas road accident

The jeepney was heading for Lobo in Batangas when hit a concrete barrier. (Image from Google Maps)

Updated @ 5:59 p.m., April 20, 2019, to add more details

SAN PEDRO CITY, Philippines — A passenger jeepney bound for a beach in the town of Lobo in Batangas hit a concrete a barrier on the highway, killing two people and injuring 17 others on Black Saturday.

The jeepney, which came from Calamba City in Laguna, was running through the downhill portion of the highway Barangay Balanga in the town of Ibaan when it a hit a concrete barrier at around 11:30 a.m.,

Asked if the driver, 59-year-old Wilfredo Macabubud, was overspeeding during the accident, Col. Edwin Quilates, director of Batangas Police Provincial Office, told INQUIRER.net that he could not confirm that yet.

He added that Macububud did not own the jeepney but was only hired.

In a telephone interview, Pat. Anthony Penid of the Ibaan Municipal Police Station said: “[The driver] said he was not familiar with the road and was surprised by a sharp curve. He lost control and rammed the concrete barrier.”

The driver and passengers were all taken to Queen Mary Hospital in Ibaan and Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City for treatment.

Two of them — a husband and his wife — died two hours later, however, while undergoing treatment.

Their identities were not disclosed as authorities had not informed their families about the accident.

Two of those injured were minors.

No other information was also given with regards to the identities of the other passengers.

/atm