26 killed as Philippines bus plunges into ravine

Manila: At least 26 people were killed and 21 injured when a passenger bus crashed into a deep ravine in the mountainous northern Philippines on Tuesday, authorities said.

The bus plunged about 24 metres in the upland province of Nueva Ecija before noon after its brakes failed while travelling on a winding road, police and local officials said.

“The vehicle is totally wrecked,” said senior inspector Robert De Guzman, police chief of the town of Carranglan where the accident occurred. The impact appeared to have ripped the top off the vehicle, he added. “Almost all of the passengers, both dead and injured, were found outside the bus.” Authorities were still investigating the cause of the accident. (AFP)