14 Dead in Ravine Plunge in Philippines

In a catastrophic incident in the central Philippines, a farm truck veering off a cliff in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental province, resulted in the demise of at least 14 passengers on Wednesday, as confirmed by police authorities.

The calamity also left three individuals, including the truck's operator, with severe injuries.

The precipitating factors of this tragic accident remain under investigation, though initial reports from the driver suggest a potential brake malfunction, leading to the loss of vehicular control.

The truck subsequently departed from the concrete roadway, descending into a ravine with a depth of approximately 40 meters (131 feet), as detailed by police spokesperson Lt. Stephen Polinar in communication with The Associated Press.

The region, known for its mountainous terrain, had been subject to intense rainfall over the preceding two days, potentially contributing to hazardous road conditions.

The victims, primarily en route to a local village for the procurement of pigs and other agricultural commodities, met an untimely fate.

The Philippines has a history of frequent road accidents, attributed to lax traffic law enforcement, the use of dilapidated vehicles, and the lack of adequate road safety measures, including railings and signage, particularly in rural areas.