At least 15 college students died after a bus slammed into an electricity post in a mountainous area in the town of Tanay, some 67 kilometers from the Philippine capital of Manila. (Photo by Mike Taboy)
A church official in the Philippines called for a review of transport policies for schools following an accident that killed 15 college students on Feb. 20.
The students, who were on a camping trip, were killed and dozens injured when their bus slammed into an electricity post in a mountainous area of the Philippines.
"There should be a guarantee for the safety and security of all parties to avoid a similar incident in the future," said Father Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the bishops' conference.
The bus, rented by a Manila private school, was taking over 50 teenage students and an instructor on the trip when the driver lost control on a downhill slope in the town of Tanay.
The impact with the concrete post caved in the front of the bus and scattered parts of the engine on the roadside.
Some of the survivors said they smelt burning before the crash but authorities said an investigation is still ongoing.
"We are saddened by the tragic death of those students," said Father Garganta.
Bishop Francisco de Leon of Antipoli offered his prayers for the students even as he urged bus owners to "inspect their buses before renting them out to keep safe all travelers."