6 dead as tour bus crashes into tree in Batangas

Six people were killed while at least 50 others were hurt when a tourist bus accidentally crashed into a tree in Mataasnakahoy town in Batangas province on Friday morning.

The bus, owned by Gurim Travel & Tours Corp., was carrying 59 people, most of them teachers from Angono Rizal Elementary School in Rizal province who were on their way to a team-building activity in Shercon Resort and Activity Park.

A police spot report on the incident said the accident took place 8:30 a.m. in Barangay San Sebastian.

It said the bus (DWX 480), being driven by one Christopher Plando, was traversing the provincial road when it careened off the highway and hit a tree.

Eleven passengers were brought to San Jose District Hospital but one of them was declared dead on arrival.

On the other hand, two passengers were brought to Lipa Medix Medical Center while six were rushed to Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, both in Lipa City.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, meanwhile, has suspended the license to operate of Gurim Travel & Tours Corp., while Plano, the driver, is facing charges, including reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide. —KBK, GMA News