A passenger jeepney falls off a ravine at remote Balagan village in San Mariano, Isabela. Photo from the Bureau of Fire Protection-San Mariano
SAN MARIANO, ISABELA — Seven people died while 31 others were injured when the jeepney carrying them fell off a ravine in the remote Balagan village here on Sunday afternoon.
Police Lt. Jess Alonzo, San Mariano deputy police chief, said the overloaded jeepney lost its brakes and dove into a 10-meter deep ravine about 4 p.m.
Alonzo identified the fatalities as jeepney driver Geoffrey Cajigal, John Lloyd Rivera, Carmelita Zalun, Mayolen Gammad, Gina Magusib, Ines Tapaoan and Anacleto Cadiente.
Initial investigation said the jeepney, which has a maximum capacity of 15 people, had carried about 40 passengers and cement bags while heading to the upland village of Macayu-cayu.
The injured passengers were brought to the Gov. Faustino Dy Sr. Memorial Hospital for treatment. Villamor Visaya Jr.