11 hurt as bus rammed a roadside tree in Quezon

LUCENA CITY – At least 11 passengers of a Manila-bound bus were injured after their vehicle hit a tree along Quirino Highway in Tagkawayan town in Quezon province before midnight Sunday, police said.

In a report, Tagkawayan police head Chief Insp. Dandy Aguilar said a unit of Our Lady of Salvation Bus Lines was negotiating an ascending curve portion of the highway in Barangay (village) Sta. Cecilia when driver Michael Manaog lost control of the vehicle and consequently hit a tree on the roadside.

The driver and passengers Keneth Mañares, Christopher Dosol, Elmirth Borbor, Eric Colorico, Sixta Colorico, Jimmy Broso, Javie Purisima, Jobelle Balsamo, Eulalio Botilo and Angelica Cañezo were injured. They were subsequently brought to Maria Eleazar Memorial District Hospital in Tagkawayan for medical attention.

Police said the steering wheel of the vehicle had a mechanical trouble that caused the accident.

Early Sunday, a pregnant passenger died and nine others were hurt after a Manila-bound private van fell into a 40-foot ravine also along the Quirino Highway in Tagkawayan. /kga