DILG: Quick response saves 19 persons from ravine accident in Laguna

At least 19 passengers of a van that plunged into a ravine along the Marilaque Highway in Sta. Maria, Laguna were rescued, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday.

The quick response, the DILG said in a posted statement, was facilitated through the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline.

The responders were personnel from the Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and other emergency personnel.

"According to the initial police investigation, the van was navigating a curved section of the highway when the driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and plunge into a ravine," the DILG reported.

Out of the 19 passengers, which included seven children, 18 sustained visible injuries while one person suffered minor injuries. They were all brought to the General Cailles Memorial Hospital for medical assessment and treatment.

"For the families waiting for news, every minute mattered. The incident underscored the importance of a reliable emergency response system that can quickly connect people in distress to those trained and ready to help," the agency said.

The DILG issued a reminder to the public to "use the 911 hotline responsibly, emphasizing that every legitimate call can mean the difference between danger and safety, and in situations like this, can help bring people home to their families." — BAP, GMA News