In a tragic incident in Abulug town, located about 600 km north of Manila, a bus collided with a pickup truck early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving six others injured. The collision occurred when the bus rammed into the side of the pickup truck, causing it to lose control and crash into a roadside food stall.
Most of the victims were passengers of the small truck who were returning home from a wake shortly after midnight. The drivers of both vehicles sustained injuries, as well as the owner of the food stall that was struck by the truck.
Authorities, led by police chief Maj. Antonio Palattao, are conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragic accident. This incident underscores the prevalence of deadly road accidents in the Philippines, attributed to factors such as lax enforcement of traffic laws, the operation of dilapidated vehicles, and hazardous road conditions.
One of the key issues contributing to road safety concerns in the country is the lack of adequate safety signs and barriers, particularly on mountain roads and in remote provinces. These deficiencies pose significant risks to motorists and passengers, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and stricter adherence to traffic regulations.
