6 killed in Del Gallego bus crash

The death toll from the bus accident in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, a day after Christmas, has risen to six, police confirmed on Sunday.

“Four people initially died in the accident on 26 December, but the number has increased by two,” said Police Captain Bernie Undecimo, chief of the Del Gallego Municipal Police Station.

One of the victims died on Saturday, while another passed away early Sunday morning at Bicol Medical Center, he added.

The tragedy happened early Friday morning when a passenger bus carrying 25 passengers and two drivers fell into a ravine along Andaya Highway in Barangay Magais 1. The bus was traveling from Quezon City to Sorsogon.

Police said the ravine was about 26 to 30 meters deep, but trees at the bottom helped slow the bus’s fall, preventing even worse damage.

Authorities suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.

The bus driver is still hospitalized, while police have already filed charges and are monitoring him. The bus company is also working closely to assist affected passengers.