Manila [Philippines], December 7: A passenger severely injured when a bus plunged into a ravine in the central Philippines has died, taking the death toll from the accident to 17, authorities said.
The bus was carrying dozens of people when its brakes failed in the central province of Antique on Tuesday afternoon, the local governor, RhodoraCadiao, told a press conference.
Seven people were in critical condition while four were stable and recovering, she said.
Local media had reported earlier than 28 died in the crash.
Cadiao said the bus was travelling to Culasi in Antique from the neighbouring province of Iloilo when its brakes malfunctioned on a winding road and it plunged 30 metres (98.5 feet) into the ravine.
Rescue operations at the site have stopped after all visible bodies were retrieved, the Antique government said on Facebook.
The Philippines is notorious for its lax regulation on public transportation and poorly maintained roads.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Cooperation
