Nueva Ecija Bus Accident death toll climbs to 33

At least 33 people were killed after a bus fell into a 100-foot ravine in Barangay Capintalan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last Tuesday. Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency, Inc. (PAMI) operations manager Bong Nocum gave the latest figure on fatalities but said the number of injured was yet to be clarified since the total number of passengers was still undetermined. Nocum said children whose height were less than a meter travel for free, while some just sit on their guardian's laps. Police estimate 77 people were on the bus, including about 15 teenagers aged 15-19. A one-year-old child died in the incident. Survivors were taken to the Veterans Regional Hospital in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya and other nearby hospitals, and are being treated for their injuries. Police are awaiting clearance from physicians to conduct an investigation. The ill-fated LeoMarick Trans bus was traveling from Ilagan, Isabela to Candon, Ilocos Sur.