A TOWN official of Tinoc, Ifugao died while five passengers were injured in a road crash in Kabayan, Benguet over the weekend.
Kabayan Municipal Police Station identified the lone fatality as Tinoc Councilor Mercury Binwihan, 54, married and resident of Impugong, Tinoc.
Police added the passengers and the driver came from La Trinidad, Benguet and were set to attend the burial of their relative in Kabayan.
While traversing a descending road, the driver miscalculated the sharp curve portion, resulting in the vehicle falling into an approximate 50-meter ravine in Sitio Mangkew, Barangay Pacso.
The five passengers from Kapangan, Tinoc, Ifugao, Natubleng, Buguias and Asin, Tuba were brought to Kabayan Rural Health Unit for medical attention by responding personnel of the Kabayan Fire Station.
The attending physician of the RHU pronounced the driver, Binwihan, dead on arrival.
Authorities have been warning motorists in Benguet when traversing the road as several road incidents were recorded in the past months.
In August, one person died while 14 individuals were injured when a passenger jeepney fell into a 250-meter ravine in Mocgo, Sagubo, Kapangan, Benguet.
In June, six persons died while four others were injured after a Baguio City-owned garbage truck rammed two other trucks in Botiwey, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
WHO also identified the risk factors that need to be addressed to prevent road crashes. These are driving under the influence of alcohol and other psychoactive substances, speeding, non-use of motorcycle helmets, seat-belts, and child restraints, distracted driving, unsafe road infrastructure and unsafe vehicles.