AT LEAST 15 passengers of a Southern Star Bus sustained injuries after the vehicle overturned near the manmade forest along the national highway on the Loay–Carmen road in Barangay Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol, around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
The bus was driven by a certain Jernel of Loboc, Bohol. He is now under the custody of the Bilar Municipal Police Station.
Initial investigation by the Bilar police revealed that while the bus was en route to Loboc, it suddenly swerved after overshooting a sharp curve. When the driver attempted to regain control, he failed to steer the vehicle back on course, resulting in the bus overturning.
Due to the strong impact, several passengers inside the bus suffered bruises and minor injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Following the incident, the driver fled the scene out of fear of being beaten up by the angry passengers. He later voluntarily surrendered to the Loboc Municipal Police Station.
Personnel from the Bilar Search and Rescue Unit quickly arrived to administer first aid to the injured passengers.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Norman Nuez, information officer of the Bohol Police Provincial Office, said the injured passengers were not taken to the hospital as their injuries were considered minor.
The Bilar Police Station is still conducting further investigation.
The driver is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and damage to property. (AYB)