By Roy Ramos
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) - At least 24 people were killed and 20 others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a 100-foot ravine in the northern Philippines province of Nueva Ecija on Tuesday morning, according to police.
Police Inspector Robert de Guzman told reporters the incident took place in Capintalan village.
De Guzman quoted bystanders as saying they saw the speeding LeoMaric minibus, which was bound for Candon in Ilocos Sur province, falling into the ravine.
At least 40 passengers, including the dead and injured, were brought up to the side of the road, he said.
The injured were rushed to a hospital in Bambang in Nueva Vizcaya province.
According to preliminary investigation, De Guzman said, the bus driver was allegedly over speeding and even overtook vehicles before it fell into the ravine.
Carranglan Mayor Mary Abad told GMA News the highway where the incident took place was prone to accidents.