3 hurt in Baguio road crash involving van with 14 passengers

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Three people were injured after a private van carrying 14 passengers crashed into a concrete barrier along the Balacbac Circumferential Road here on Sunday afternoon, July 19, during heavy rains, police said. The accident occurred at around 4:30 p.m., according to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO). The white Kia van, bound for Nueva Ecija, was carrying eight adults and six minors who had attended activities at the Baguio Cathedral. The driver and two passengers sustained minor injuries in the crash. The identities of the van’s occupants had not been released as of presstime. READ: 1 dead, 6 injured in Baguio City highway mishap Initial police investigation showed that the van was descending the road when the driver failed to shift to a lower gear and could not stop the vehicle’s acceleration with the brakes due to its weight and the rain-slicked road. Police officers and emergency medical responders immediately assisted the victims at the scene. However, the injured individuals declined to be taken to a hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. It was not clear whether they chose to commute out of Baguio. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in the Philippines, particularly in areas like Baguio City with its challenging terrain and frequent rainfall, which can exacerbate driving conditions.