Jeepney falls off cliff in Negros Oriental: 1 dead, 6 hurt

DUMAGUETE CITY — A woman was killed while six others were injured in a road accident along the national road in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental on Saturday, September 17.

Staff Sergeant Breb Ibabao of the Mabinay Police Office said the victims were aboard a jeepney that fell off a cliff.

Based on the investigation, Antonio lost control of the vehicle’s brakes when it reached Mabinay town in Negros Oriental from Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental.

Ibabao said Antonio tried to steer the jeepney to a safer area but lost control of the vehicle.

“When the passengers noticed that the driver lost control, five passengers panicked, prompting the conductor to hug them while waiting for the jeep to crash,” he said.

One passenger identified as Jinky Benigay attempted to jump from the jeep through its window. But Ibabao said it was on the same side of the window where the vehicle landed.

“It took around 30 minutes for the rescuers to pull her from being stuck in the jeep,” Ibabao said.

Benigay was rushed to the hospital but did not make it alive.

The other five passengers, on the other hand, were treated at the Mabinay Medicare Hospital.

According to Ibabao, the driver only rented the jeep. A representative from the owner of the jeep went to Mabinay Police Office to negotiate with the family of Benigay and told Ibabao that they are willing to shoulder the expenses of the victims.

The driver is currently detained at the Mabinay Police Office and may face charges of reckless driving resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries.

/MUF