The tragic bus accident in Antique, Philippines, involving a Ceres bus, resulted in 17 confirmed fatalities. The incident occurred on December 5, 2023, when the bus, carrying 28 passengers, plunged into a ravine in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic town. Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao clarified the number of deaths, noting that initial reports were inflated due to communication difficulties at the accident site. Among the dead were the bus driver, conductor, line inspector, and two foreign nationals.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Broderick Train reported that 13 fatalities occurred at the scene, including the bus staff members. Four more passengers succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical attention. The bus has not yet been recovered from the crash site. An initial investigation suggests that the driver lost control of the bus’s brakes while navigating the Barangay Igbucagay National Road, leading to the accident.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Cadiao assured that the Provincial Government would cover all hospital expenses for the victims and provide PHP 20,000 in initial financial assistance to their families. Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), the bus operator, also expressed apologies and assured cooperation with any investigations regarding the accident. Additionally, Cadiao has appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the retrofitting of the roads where the incident occurred, citing previous accidents in the area due to its dangerous curves. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.