SAN FERNANDO — A bus carrying Christian pilgrims from a northern Philippine mountain resort has slammed into a tree after its brakes apparently failed, killing 12 people and injuring 14 others.

Police Senior Superintendent Noli Talino said Sunday the driver rammed the bus into the tree to prevent the vehicle from falling into a deep ravine.

He says the impact pinned 10 passengers inside the bus, killing them, while two other passengers were thrown out of the bus by the impact and fell to their deaths in the ravine.

The accident happened Saturday in Pugo township near Baguio City as the group returned from a pilgrimage to Catholic churches and a visit to tourist spots. (AP)