1967 Cavite bus crash

Last updated

1967 Cavite bus crash
1967 Cavite bus crash
Details
DateJanuary 6, 1967(57 years ago) (1967-01-06)
LocationItalaro, Kayquit, Indang, Cavite [1]
Coordinates 14°09′20″N120°54′09″E / 14.155458°N 120.902411°E / 14.155458; 120.902411
CountryFlag of the Philippines (navy blue).svg  Philippines
Line Batangas–Ternate, Cavite
Operator Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Company (BLTB Co.)
Incident typeCollision and fall
Cause Human error or mechanical defect (faulty brakes)
Statistics
Bus2
Passengers130–300 (from both buses) [lower-alpha 1]
Deaths81–115 [lower-alpha 2]
Injured15–60 [lower-alpha 2]
Damage2 (both buses)

On January 6, 1967, two Catholic pilgrimage buses collided on a mountainous road near a reinforced timber bridge in the rural town of Indang, Cavite, Philippines. Subsequently, they plunged off a cliff, killing more than 80 people, [lower-alpha 2] the majority being women and children, and injuring the remaining passengers, making it one of the world's worst road accidents and disasters and the worst in Philippine history.

Contents

Background

The Tuy–Indang segment (comprising Balayan–Tuy and Naic–Indang Roads) of the Batangas–Cavite Interprovincial Road was constructed from the 1920s to the 1930s by the United States government to establish a direct link from the Philippine capital, Manila, to western Batangas. [2] Along the road was a timber bridge with steel reinforcements connecting then-barrio Italaro (now a sitio of Kayquit III) in Indang [3] to the adjacent town of Mendez, both of which are separated by a river in the barrio's south. [4] [lower-alpha 3]

Two years prior to the incident, more than 40 people were killed at the same site. [5] In 1965, two softdrink trailer trucks fell into the ravine. [6] The following year, an accident killed at least 9 people and injured 16 others. [7] According to the Guinness Book of World Records , the worst road disaster prior to this incident took place in India five years earlier. [8]

In December 1966, about three weeks before the incident, the Philippine government launched a nationwide safety campaign against the so-called "rolling coffins"—a term used to describe the buses—following an incident where a bus crashed into the gates of Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the president. [5] In the provinces, bus rides were often compared to rollercoaster rides due to several drivers running their vehicles at expressway speeds. [8]

Accident

The buses involved were owned by Batangas Laguna Tayabas Bus Company (BLTB Co.) and were part of a convoy consisting of 57 buses [7] that were carrying devotees from the towns of Nasugbu, Tuy, and Lian in Batangas to a church dedicated to the Santo Niño in the coastal town of Ternate, Cavite, to celebrate the annual feast of Epiphany. [4] [6]

At dawn on January 6, 1967, the convoy left from Batangas. Later in the morning, while traversing their route for Indang, the ninth bus (no. 522) lost its brakes while overtaking other vehicles, colliding with the back of the eighth bus (no. 318) upon reaching a curve near the Italaro Bridge. The impact of the collision caused the buses to fall off a 91-meter-deep (300 ft) [7] ravine. [4] [6]

Casualties

The Associated Press initially estimated more than 115 deaths and reported 15 survivors in the accident. [7] After response operations, United Press International noted at least 84 deaths, with more than 60 others injured, including at least 30 in critical condition. [5] [6] [8] [9] Another source reported 83 deaths, 57 injuries, and three unaccounted for. [10] All immediate deaths were attributed to bodies being struck by twisted steel reinforcements and tree branches in the area. Unclaimed bodies were taken to the Indang Health Center. 76 of the dead passengers were identified, including a former mayor of Tuy. Among the injured, 48, including two bus conductors, were reportedly taken to various medical facilities in Cavite, while seven were transferred to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. [4]

Response

Rescue and retrieval took a long time to reach the crash site due to its remoteness and rugged terrain. Ambulances were slowed down by mountainous roads, while Philippine Air Force and United States Navy helicopters that were dispatched from Naval Station Sangley Point in Cavite City arrived after nearly six hours when rescue operations were almost finished. [6] [7] [4]

The injured, many of them in a critical condition, were brought to various hospitals in Cavite, while some were transferred to Manila due to lack of medicine supplies. As local governments requested, assistance from the Department of Health and other national government agencies, for the treatment to the victims, only came a day late, and the ambulances came in the early afternoon. [4]

President Ferdinand Marcos deployed a team of doctors and social welfare workers to the hospitals where the survivors were taken. The Philippine Constabulary (PC) ordered the closure of the Batangas–Cavite Interprovincial Road to prevent looting of the wreckage.[ citation needed ]

Reaction

On January 8, 1967, President Marcos, upon learning initial reports that the accident was due to either drivers' negligence or the buses' defective brakes, ordered the Public Service Commission to cancel the franchise of BLTB Co. if found liable, otherwise, to take other disciplinary actions against the company. [11]

On January 11, Pope Paul VI extended his condolences and gave his paternal blessing to the families and relatives of the victims through a cable released by Archbishop Carlo Martini, the apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, to the press. [10]

Aftermath

The replacement bridge in December 2018 (to the left is the accident site) 5214Indang Mendez Cavite Landmarks Barangays 28.jpg
The replacement bridge in December 2018 (to the left is the accident site)

After the accident, it was said that apparently, the government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) intentionally abandoned the section of the road leading to the accident site to realign it elsewhere, allowing vegetation to reclaim it. [3] The road was slightly realigned to the east and a new bridge was built with it. [3]

Investigation

There are conflicting reports on the number of passengers. While some sources suggest that there were more than 130, [4] [7] it was reported that nearly 300 people, mostly Catholic pilgrims, have been aboard the two buses, [5] [8] with about 150 people on each. [6]

According to preliminary reports, mechanical defect and negligence were the primary cause of the accident.[ citation needed ]

Lolito de Castro of Batangas, the driver of bus no. 318, was arrested at a clinic in the province where he was treated. An investigation led by Col. Rizalino Garcia, Cavite PC Commander, revealed that de Castro jumped out of the bus as he was unable to control it, and, as admitted by de Castro, later went into hiding in fear of retaliation from victims' relatives. Charges of "multiple homicide" and "multiple physical injuries through reckless imprudence" were filed against him. [4]

Notes

  1. ↑ Figures vary. See § Investigation.
  2. 1 2 3 The official death toll ranges from 81 to 84, and the count for the injured varies from 57 to 60. Other figures are estimates. See § Casualties.
  3. ↑ Explanatory notes from an undergraduate research paper: [4]
    • The drivers involved were Antonio Lontok (no. 522) and Lolito de Castro (no. 318). The source stated that de Castro survived the incident but did not provide information on Lontok's fate.
    • The paper reports that 81 passengers from both buses died on impact, with 58 sustaining serious injuries.
    • Additionally, the investigation revealed that the two buses each carried more than 140 passengers onboard.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tagalog language</span> Austronesian language spoken in the Philippines

Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by the ethnic Tagalog people, who make up a quarter of the population of the Philippines, and as a second language by the majority. Its standardized form, officially named Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines, and is one of two official languages, alongside English.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Katipunan</span> 1892–1897 Philippine revolutionary society against Spanish rule

The Katipunan, officially the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan and abbreviated as the KKK, was a revolutionary organization founded in 1892 by a group of Filipino nationalists Deodato Arellano, Andrés Bonifacio, Valentin Diaz, Ladislao Diwa, José Dizon, and Teodoro Plata. Its primary objective was achieving independence from the Spanish Empire through an armed revolution. It was formed as a secret society before its eventual discovery by Spanish authorities in August 1896. This discovery led to the start of the Philippine Revolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrés Bonifacio</span> Filipino revolutionaries of the unity of the Philippines (1863–1897)

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro was a Filipino revolutionary leader. He is often called "The Father of the Philippine Revolution", and considered one of the national heroes of the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cavite</span> Province in Calabarzon, Philippines

Cavite, officially the Province of Cavite, is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region in Luzon. Located on the southern shores of Manila Bay and southwest of Manila, it is one of the most industrialized and fastest-growing provinces in the Philippines. As of 2020, it has a population of 4,344,829, making it the most populated province in the country if the independent cities of Cebu are excluded from Cebu's population figure.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batangas</span> Province in Calabarzon, Philippines

Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas, is a first class province of the Philippines located in the southwestern part of Luzon in the Calabarzon region. Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and Laguna to the north, and Quezon to the east. Across the Verde Island Passages to the south is the island of Mindoro and to the west lies the South China Sea. Poetically, Batangas is often referred to by its ancient name, Kumintáng.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tagaytay</span> Component city in Cavite, Philippines

Tagaytay, officially the City of Tagaytay, is a 2nd class component city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 85,330 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indang</span> Municipality in Cavite, Philippines

Indang, officially the Municipality of Indang, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 68,699 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfonso, Cavite</span> Municipality in Cavite, Philippines

Alfonso, officially the Municipality of Alfonso, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 59,306 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Silang, Cavite</span> Municipality in Cavite, Philippines

Silang, officially the Municipality of Silang, formerly known as Silan during the Spanish colonial era, is a 1st class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 295,644 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balayan</span> Municipality in Batangas, Philippines

Balayan, officially the Municipality of Balayan, is a 1st class municipality in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 95,913 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cavite State University</span> Public university in Cavite, Philippines

Cavite State University is a public university in the province of Cavite in the Philippines. Its 70-hectare (170-acre) main campus, known as the Don Severino delas Alas Campus, is located in the Municipality of Indang, Cavite about 60 km (37 mi) southwest of Manila. The educational institution has twelve other campuses spread all over the province.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roman Catholic Diocese of Imus</span> Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines

The Diocese of Imus is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Philippines that comprises the entire province of Cavite. The diocese was canonically erected on November 25, 1961, when it was excised from the Archdiocese of Manila. Imus Cathedral, located along General Castañeda Street in the poblacion of Imus, serves as the see of the diocese. It is one of twelve cathedrals founded by the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batangas Tagalog</span> Dialect of Tagalog

Batangas Tagalog is a dialect of the Tagalog language spoken primarily in the province of Batangas and in portions of Cavite, Quezon, Laguna and on the island of Mindoro. It is characterized by a strong accent and a vocabulary and grammar closely related to Old Tagalog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magdiwang (faction)</span> Chapter of the Katipunan

The Magdiwang was a faction of the Katipunan, a Philippine revolutionary organization founded by Filipino rebels in Manila in 1892 with the aim to gain independence from Spain. The Magdiwang Council was acknowledged as "the supreme organ responsible for the successful campaigns against the enemy" within Cavite.

Juan Abad was a Filipino printer, playwright, and journalist-1899. His main contribution to Filipino theatre was his patriotic plays: the zarzuela Ang Tanikalang Guinto, and Isang Punglo ng Kaaway, the former which, caused his arrest and trial. Some authors credit Abad with the introduction of symbolism to Tagalog drama, a claim which is still to be proven; although he may have been one of the first Tagalog dramatists to use symbolism in their plays.

Efren Reyes Abueg is a well-known and recognized Filipino-language creative writer, editor, author, novelist, short story writer, essayist, fictionist, professor, textbook writer, and anthologist in the Philippines. His works appeared on magazines such as Liwayway, Bulaklak, Tagumpay, Mod, and Homelife.

Kundiman is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs. The lyrics of the kundiman are written in Tagalog. The melody is characterized by a smooth, flowing and gentle rhythm with dramatic intervals. Kundiman was the traditional means of serenade in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Protests against Rodrigo Duterte</span> Political protests against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

Protests against Former President Rodrigo Duterte escalated on November 18, 2016, following Duterte's support of the burial of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. These series of protests are mostly conducted by progressive groups and other opposing figures mainly due to the ongoing war on drugs, the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, and employment issues such as contractual terms being applied by companies and inflation which occurred due to the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. Other causes of the protests include the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and the shutdown and franchise denial of ABS-CBN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway</span> Road in the Philippine provinces of Cavite and Batangas

The Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway, alternatively known as Tagaytay–Nasugbu Road and formerly as Tagaytay–Tuy–Nasugbu Port Road, is a 43.86-kilometer (27.25 mi), two-to-four lane, secondary highway in the provinces of Cavite and Batangas, Philippines, that connects the city of Tagaytay in Cavite and the municipality of Nasugbu in Batangas.

Malvar: Tuloy ang Laban is an upcoming Filipino biographical war film directed by Jose "Kaka" Balagtas and written by Ed Samson. It will depict the life of Miguel Malvar, one of the last Filipino generals to surrender in the Philippine–American War. The film will star Manny Pacquiao as the titular General Malvar, with Isko Moreno as Andrés Bonifacio and E.R. Ejercito as Emilio Aguinaldo.

References

  1. ↑ Anciano, Daniel Mendoza (2018). Intermedia ng Indang (Cavite State University) 1904–1927: Ang Kasaysayan ng Paaralang Panlalawigan sa Katimugang Cavite (in Tagalog). Malabon, Philippines: Mutya Publishing House. p. 125. ISBN   978-971821-791-7. Ang sumunod na malagim na trahedya na nasaksihan sa Indang pagkatapos ng Pagsabog ng Tall [ sic ] noong 1911 ay ang Trahedya ng pagkahulog ng dalawang bus ng BLTB sa Tulay ng Italaro na naganap noong Enero 1967.
  2. ↑ Citations concerning the construction of the Batangas–Cavite Interprovincial Road:
  3. 1 2 3 Multiple citations:
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Agustine, January; Alvarez, Gracelyn; Martonito, John Rey; Protomartir, Nowelie (March 2005). Ang Malagim na Aksidente sa Italaro [The tragic accident in Italaro] (undergraduate research) (in Tagalog). Indang, Cavite, Philippines: Cavite State University . Retrieved May 28, 2022– via Scribd.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "History's Worst Highway Disaster Claims 84 Lives". Lodi News-Sentinel . Lodi, California. January 6, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved November 25, 2021– via Google Books.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Bus Disaster Takes 84 Lives In Philippines". The Desert Sun . Vol. 40. Palm Springs, California. January 6, 1967. pp. 1–2. Retrieved November 25, 2021– via California Digital Newspaper Collection.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "More Than 115 Die When Buses Hurtle Into Manila Ravine". Ocala Star–Banner . Vol. 24. Ocala, Florida. January 6, 1967. p. 1. Retrieved November 25, 2021– via Google Books.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "Each Head Shake Was a Signal of Tragedy". The Sun-Herald . Sydney, Australia. January 8, 1967. p. 15. Retrieved February 6, 2022– via Google Books.
  9. ↑ "2-Bus Crash Kills 84 Filipinos". The Pittsburgh Press . Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. January 6, 1967. p. 11. Retrieved June 1, 2022– via Google Newspapers.
  10. 1 2 "Pope extends sympathy to bus victims' kin". The Catholic News Archive. Catholic News Service. January 11, 1967. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  11. ↑ Official Gazette (Vol. 63 No. 5). Manila: Government of the Philippines. January 30, 1967. p. lxxii. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.