A Series of Road Disasters Lately

Accidents by definition happen rarely. But when a series of road mishaps killing tens of people takes place, we cannot help but wonder, what's going on? Can this be still under the laws of statistical probability? Can this be only a result of human negligence? Or, some dark powers are behind these tragic vehicular accidents that continue to happen around the country.

Quezon

Pagbilao, 29 August 2010 (Sunday)---At around 2:30 PM, a CUL Bus Transport vehicle fell of a 12-foot cliff, then into a creek, after its break malfunctioned while negotiating the zigzag Bicol Diversion Road in Maharlika Highway in Sitio Amao, Barangay Silangan Malicboy, on its way from Tacloban (Leyte) to Manila. Five people (four females and a male) were confirmed dead and 39 others injured. [Sources: "5 killed, 47 injured in bus mishap," Sunnex; Danny Estancio & Aaron Recuenco: "Bus falls into into creek, killing 5, injuring 39," Manila Bulletin]

Benguet

Sablan, 18 August 2010 (Wednesday)---An Eso-Nice bus plunged at around 9:20 AM into a 150-foot-deep ravine along Naguilian Road in Barangay Banangan, killing 42 people. The driver lost control of the brake. Apparently DOTC noted that the bus company is one of the 807 franchise holders that appear to have irregular documentation. But would insufficient documentation has direct, or even indirect, cause on the tragedy?

Cebu

Dalaguete, 20 August 2010 (Friday)---An NB Boy minibus, carrying 30 students of Don Bosco Technological Center (owned by Bosconian Fathers), almost fell off a 500-foot ravine in the mountains of Dalaguete in the morning at 10 AM as they passed a steep road in Sitio Zigzag in Barangay Obo. Only an Agojo tree stopped the minibus from falling. The students were on their way to Mantalungong. The minibus stopped because of overheated radiator. But when driver Randy Quivido loosened the radiator cap, it spurted hotwater, scalding his legs, and causing him to jump off the driver's seat, while the gear was in neutral. As he left, the vehicle moved towards the cliff.

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