Back rider killed after motorcycle plunges 110-meter ravine in Ifugao

Aguinaldo, Ifugao – A motorcycle ride turned tragic on Saturday night, July 18, after the vehicle plunged into a 110-meter-deep ravine in Aguinaldo, Ifugao, killing one passenger and injuring two others.

According to an initial report from the Aguinaldo Municipal Police Station, the accident occurred at around 9:20 p.m. in Sitio Maano, Barangay Galonogon.

Police said three individuals were riding the motorcycle when it veered off the road and fell into the ravine.

Upon receiving the report, police officers, firefighters, members of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), local officials, and volunteers immediately launched a rescue operation despite the steep terrain and difficult conditions.

After more than two hours of rescue efforts, responders successfully retrieved the victims from the ravine, with the operation concluding at around 11:54 p.m.

The back rider was declared dead at the scene, while the driver and another passenger survived but sustained injuries and were given medical attention.

Police withheld the identities of the victims pending notification of their families and the ongoing investigation.

As of this writing, authorities have yet to release additional details, including the circumstances that caused the motorcycle to leave the roadway.

Mountain roads in Aguinaldo are known for their sharp curves, steep slopes, and deep ravines, making travel especially hazardous at night and during adverse weather conditions.

Over the years, the municipality has recorded several fatal road accidents involving motorcycles, private vehicles, and public utility vehicles that plunged into cliffs and ravines.

On July 24, 2019, seven people were killed and three others were injured after an Isuzu Elf truck reportedly lost its brakes while negotiating a curved section of the road in Sitio Montonop, Barangay Chalalo, before plunging into a 10-meter ravine. The victims were on their way to attend a burial and market day.

In another incident on June 30, 2014, two people died and two others were injured after a van plunged into a 500-meter ravine in the same Sitio Maano. Police investigators believed the driver may have fallen asleep while navigating the mountain road.

Authorities continue to remind motorists to observe speed limits, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and exercise extreme caution when traveling along mountainous roads, particularly at night or in areas with limited visibility.