Pine tree keeps minibus from falling off cliff

CEBU, Philippines – If not for a pine tree, a minibus would have fallen off a steep cliff in the mountain area in Sitio Sigsag, Barangay Obo, Dalaguete, southern Cebu.

Randay Quevedo, the driver, was also glad he was just raveling slowly when the radiator of the vehicle was busted at around 10 a.m., sending hot water gushing up at him.

The passengers of the minibus were students of the Don Bosco College who were on their way to the Mantalongon Retreat House in Mantalongon, Dalaguete.

The NB Boy Minibus is owned by Vinaventura Lopez and bore the plate number GWR-993.

The overheated radiator caused the water to burst as Quevedo was maneuvering his way up a steep hill.

He was able to stop the vehicle immediately but the bus moved backward and nearly fell off a ravine estimated to be more than 50 meters deep. Luckily, a pine tree pre-vented the falling of the bus. 

Eleven out of the 40 passengers, including the driver and the instructor, were hurt.

The victims were immediately brought to the Cardinal Rosales Hospital in Dalaguete after they sustained bruises. Quevedo had a second degree burn on his legs.

PO2 Reynaldo Amarillento of the Dalaguete Police Station told The FREEMAN that the victims sustained minor injuries. He also said the victims proceeded to the re-treat house after they were all declared out of danger. 

The minibus was still in the area as of last night as the police were still trying to figure out how to remove the bus safely. Amarillento said that the owner of the bus will give financial help to the victims. (FREEMAN)