Driver dies after van falls into ravine in Ifugao

Rescuers retrieve the body of Wilson Batang-e Jr., 35, after his van fell into a ravine in Tinoc, Ifugao. Photo from Tinoc Municipal Police Station

BAGUIO CITY –– A man died after the van he was driving fell into a 500-meter ravine in Eheb village, Tinoc town, Ifugao on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Rescuers recovered the body of Wilson Batang-e Jr., 35, a resident of Poblacion village in the same town.

Investigators said the victim was heading towards Buguias town, Benguet when his vehicle reportedly skidded off a portion of the Tinoc-Buguias Road, which was still covered by debris from recent soil erosion.

Heavy monsoon rains since last week have made some roads in Ifugao and Benguet slippery.

The local government has warned motorists against traveling on the same highway during and after a heavy downpour.  /lzb