BACOLOD CITY – Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental Mayor Laurence Marxlen dela Cruz expressed sadness over the bus accident in the municipality that killed a teacher and injured several individuals on Friday, June 14.
“Our prayers are with everyone involved and our deepest condolences to the family of the individual who died in the accident,” Dela Cruz said.
The Bacolod city government bus was carrying 39 passengers, including 32 teachers, from Paglaum Village Elementary School in Barangay Igmaya-an, Bacolod when the accident happened.
Police identified the victim as 42-year-old Arlyn Verde of Murcia, Negros Occidental.
The bus turned on its side due to brake failure while approaching the curve part of the road.
Injured were 31 teachers, five immediate family members, and the bus conductor. The 59-year-old bus driver was unharmed.
“We express hope that the people who survived the accident will be able to immediately recover from their injuries and trauma,” Dela Cruz said.
The victims came from a team-building in San Carlos City and were on their way home to this city when they figured in the accident.
Dela Cruz commended the Don Salvador Benedicto rescue team, police, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), all other rescue teams from different local government units (LGUs), and volunteers for their swift action and response at the scene of the accident.
Mayor Albee Benitez here has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the road accident and prevent this from happening again.
The city government assured that necessary assistance will be provided to the victims.