Passenger van plunges off mountain road in Bontoc; rescue efforts underway

BAGUIO CITY — Emergency responders rushed to a remote section of the Talubin-Barlig Road in Bontoc, Mountain Province capital, after a passenger van plunged down a steep slope on Tuesday afternoon. The elf-type truck, which was carrying 27 passengers, skidded off the roadway near Sitio Jakap, sending occupants down the embankment.

Rescue teams immediately transported seven passengers to nearby medical facilities for treatment of injuries sustained in the incident. The identities and extent of injuries to the hospitalized passengers were not immediately disclosed. Officials did not specify whether all 27 occupants were accounted for at the time of initial reporting.

The exact cause of the vehicle's departure from the roadway remains under investigation. Authorities did not provide details on road conditions or factors that may have contributed to the accident. The narrow, mountainous stretch of road where the incident occurred is known for challenging driving conditions.

Local officials and rescue personnel continued operations in the area as of Tuesday evening to locate and assist any remaining passengers who may have been thrown from the vehicle or trapped in surrounding terrain.