Benguet car accident kills 13

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Thirteen people, including 12 high school students, were killed after a Ford Fiera fell off a 300-foot ravine in Bangbangayen, Poblacion, Buguias, Benguet on September 9, Tuesday.

The driver and 11 of his passengers died on Tuesday, while the latest casualty, 15-year-old Charee Bestre, died while undergoing treatment at Saint Louis Hospital in Baguio City at 12:30 am on Wednesday, September 10.  

The driver, 45-year-old Efren Dalisdis, and 7 of his passengers died on the spot while 4 more were declared dead on arrival at the  Lutheran Hospital in Abatan, Buguias, on Tuesday.

Two passengers – Reyshan Latuwed, 18, and Jemerose Bankin, 15 – are in critical condition at the Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad, Benguet, while Elejoy Agyapas, 17, is undergoing treatment at the Lutheran Hospital.

Benguet Provincial Police Director Rodolfo Azurin said the Ford Fierra bearing plate number ABF 436 was traversing the road along sitio Bangbangayen in barangay Poblacion when the incident happened.

Police received the call for rescue at 5:05 pm from a citizen who witnessed the accident.

Police investigators will determine the exact cause of the accident upon the retrieval of the wreckage.

The other casualties were:

• Jera Flair Mayao, 15
• Maricel Basatan, 13
• Jera Madiano, 15
• Jeribeth Simeon, 12
• Jasmin Lestino, 15
• Nenerva Menzi, 16
• Angie Aguien, 15
• Meljoy Agustin, 15
• Ivonne Bestre, 13
• John Ray Dalisidis, 16
• Mari Faith Lamsis, 16

All victims were high school students at Poblacion National High School. – Rappler.com