BACOLOD City – The city government will investigate the road crash involving a city-owned bus in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental that killed a public school teacher “to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.”
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Saturday, “The safety and well-being of our community members are of utmost importance to us, and we will take all necessary measures to enhance the safety protocols for our city-owned transportation services.”
At around 5:40 p.m. on Friday, June 14, the bus carrying over 30 individuals including the driver fell on its side when its brakes malfunctioned while the driver was negotiating downhill along Purok Talus, Barangay Igmaya-an, Don Salvador Benedicto.
Anna Pornan, head of the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said the passengers included 35 teachers and staff members of the Paglaum Village Elementary School in this city and their immediate family members.
They were on their way back to the city from a team building in Sipaway Island, San Carlos City.
A female teacher died and 35 others were injured.
Mayor Benitez said the city government provided hospital assistance to all the injured passengers under the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program, including their medicines, labs, x-rays, and others.
“The Department of Social Services and Development will assess their needs and facilitate the immediate release of their assistance. We are coordinating with the local hospitals to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care available,” he added.
The city mayor also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and also sent prayers to those who were injured.
“It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce a tragic vehicular accident involving a bus owned by the city in Don Salvador Benedicto, which resulted in the unfortunate death of one teacher and injuries to other teachers and staff members. This incident has profoundly affected our community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” Mayor Benitez said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time.”/PN
