Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday, February 22, called on businessmen to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and on drivers to drive safely following the tragic accident in Mabinay, Negros Orietnal, that left 15 dead and two injured.
A truck carrying livestock buyers fell 40 to 50 meters down a cliff in Barangay Bulwang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday, when its brakes allegedly failed.
Owners of trucks and other vehicles used for businesses should ensure that they are in good condition and are not rundown, Lacson said.
Drivers should also be vigilant and careful, he added.
Fifteen of 17 passengers on board the livestock truck died on Wednesday.
Injured in the accident were the driver Antonio Boganotan Toreno and helper Jovanni Flores of La Libertad.
The helper was able to jump out of the vehicle as it was about to fall while the driver who was in the vehicle luckily survived, PSMS Jenchard Ibabao of the Mabinay police said.
The police are waiting for the families of the victims to decide if they will file charges against the driver, Ibabao said.*