9 hurt as van falls into ravine

CATANDUANES—A van en route to the northern towns of this island went wayward on Friday in San Miguel town, 19 kilometers from the capital of Virac, plowing through two houses before plunging into a 20-foot ravine.

All nine passengers, including driver Jesus Manlangit, 39, suffered serious injuries and were taken to Eastern Bicol Medical Center in Virac, said Senior Supt. Lito Pitallano, provincial police director.

The van was on its way to Panganiban town when the driver lost control of the vehicle along a zigzag portion of the national road in Barangay Kilikilihan. Fernan Gianan, Inquirer Southern Luzon