BALANGA CITY, Bataan -- A jeepney carrying picnickers fell into a rocky, shallow river in an upland village here Wednesday afternoon when it allegedly had a mechanical malfunction while ascending a road, killing a passenger and injuring 15 others.
Lt. Col. Eduardo Guevara Jr., Balanga City police chief, on Thursday said Robert Enriquez, 48, died on the spot while the 15 injured, including the driver, were rushed to the Bataan General Hospital.
Of the 15, eight were minors aged 10 months to 15 years, the police said.
The police report said the victims were on the way home to Barangay Puerto Rivas in Balanga City after having a picnic at the Tanato River.
The vehicle was almost at the peak of the road when its propeller shaft allegedly snapped and caused it to go downhill.
Two women caretakers of the picnic ground later told authorities that they heard a loud bang as the jeepney fell into the river.
“We heard screams for help from the victims,” the police quoted the caretakers as saying.
Guevara said jeepney driver Eduardo Alonzo, also of Barangay Puerto Rivas, is now facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple injuries and damage to properties over the incident. (PNA)
