Eight injured after van plunges into creek

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Eight of the 18 passengers sustained minor injuries after a van plunged into a creek in Purok Talos, Barangay Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

Police Maj. Ellendie Rebusquillo, chief of the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station, said the passengers, including several minors, were returning to Cadiz City from a birthday celebration at a resort when the accident occurred at about 5 p.m.

Rebusquillo said the 60-year-old driver, who was also the celebrant, was traveling with relatives at the time of the incident.

He said the van experienced a mechanical failure after its brakes malfunctioned while approaching a blind curve.

The vehicle swerved into the opposite lane before plunging into the creek.

Rebusquillo said all injured passengers were treated and later discharged from a hospital.

He said police could not immediately determine whether overloading contributed to the accident, noting that the van has a maximum seating capacity of 14 people.

Rebusquillo advised motorists to ensure vehicles are properly inspected before travel, especially for long-distance trips.