By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two South Koreans sustained minor injuries after their vehicle was involved in a collision with a wing van in Nabas, Aklan, in the early morning of April 7.
The injured tourists were identified as Myunghee Lee, 53, and Jung Ji Sun, 47. Staff Sergeant Sean Tumbagahan, a Nabas traffic investigator, reported that Myunghee Lee had blood on her nose, while Jung Ji Sun complained of back pain.
Both were rushed to a hospital in Kalibo, Aklan.
The tourists, part of a group of seven, were being transported from the airport to Boracay Island by a Southwest Tours bus when the incident occurred. The collision happened as the bus was navigating a hilly curve at Barangay Libertad, Nabas, around 1 a.m. Sunday.
John Mark Tibio, 35, the driver from Poblacion, New Washington, Aklan, told investigators that a brake failure led to him hitting the vehicle ahead.
However, subsequent inspections by the company’s chief mechanic indicated that the brakes were operational, leading authorities to suspect human error as the cause of the mishap, according to Tumbagahan.
The transport company has reportedly resolved the damages with the wing van and ensured the remaining tourists reached their destination.