By CESAR JOLITO III

Ten passengers, including festival dancers from Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town, were reported safe after the truck they were riding figured in a road accident early yesterday morning in Himamaylan City’s Barangay Talaban.

The group was on board a canter truck returning from Panaad Park and Stadium when the incident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m., Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias said.

Of the 10 passengers, seven were dancers who had participated in the Best of Festival Dances Competition held the previous night, April 14.

Initial investigation showed that the truck attempted to overtake a vehicle ahead that suddenly braked, causing the driver to lose control.

The vehicle overshot and crashed into roadside signage.

Despite the impact, all passengers were declared out of danger.

Three individuals were initially brought to a hospital but were later discharged as outpatients.

In a separate incident, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II reported that a 15-year-old female dancer from Hinoba-an sustained a back injury after falling off the stage.

Diaz said that they are still determining whether the fall occurred during her performance or at another time, with initial concerns pointing to a possible spinal injury, and is now admitted to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City for treatment.

As of late yesterday afternoon, Diaz said a total of eight individuals from the Hinoba-an contingent were being treated for minor injuries.

Six of the injured students have already been discharged, along with the driver and a child who were also earlier brought for medical attention./CJ, WDJ