12 dead as van plunges into ravine in Benguet

BAGUIO, Philippines —At least 12 people died when the van they were riding in plunged into a deep ravine in the country’s mountainous north, Benguet province governor said.

Governor Nestor Fongwan said Sunday that the van veered off a mountain road in remote Buguias town on Saturday and plummeted into a 90-meter (295-foot) deep ravine, killing 10 people. Two more died later Saturday and another victim is fighting for his life in a hospital, he said, adding five people were injured.

Fongwan says one of the 19 people in the van managed to jump out before the vehicle fell off a cliff.

Reckless driving, neglected vehicles and roads, and poor enforcement of traffic laws have been blamed for the many deadly road accidents in the Philippines.