18 passengers die as jeep falls into Mt. Province ravine

MANILA, Philippines – A passenger jeep plunged Sunday afternoon into a ravine in Bontoc, Mt. Province, and crashed into a river, killing 18 people.

Radio reports said the ill-fated vehicle bearing license plate ACZ 135 and heading towards Barangay (village) Dalican  was negotiating a dangerous curve in Upper Balikyan when it went over the edge and fell into the ravine.

The jeepney, which was carrying 30 people, made a 100-meter drop before smashing into a river.

Six of the passengers were killed instantly and 12 others died later in hospital.

The names of the fatalities and the injured persons were not yet available.

Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy, reports said.