Five people lost their lives, and nine others were injured after their tourist van plunged off a cliff in Sadanga, Mountain Province on Friday night.
According to authorities, who are currently investigating the cause of the accident, the van fell into a 50-meter ravine and crashed into a river around 10 p.m.
Police and other rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene had to use ropes to descend the ravine and lift the passengers out. Mountain Province Provincial Police Office (MPPPO) Director Col. Ferdie Oydoc has since reminded travelers to navigate Cordillera roads with caution.
Among those who died on the spot were the driver and three passengers. Another passenger died while being transported to Bontoc General Hospital. The nine survivors were brought to the said hospital for treatment.
The group was reportedly on their way to Buscalan village in Tinglayan, Kalinga, to visit legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-od.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “5 dead, 9 injured after van falls off Mt. Province cliff.”