The fatal bus accident in Antique, Philippines, involving a Ceres Bus Liner, resulted in at least 17 confirmed deaths. This incident occurred on December 5, 2023, around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Igbucagay, Hamtic town, when the bus, carrying 28 people, veered off a 60 to 70 feet deep ravine on a treacherous curve. Among the casualties were the bus driver, conductor, line inspector, and two foreign nationals. Thirteen of the fatalities died on the spot, while four succumbed to their injuries later.
Rescue operations continued into the next day, with survivors being transported to Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in Antique and the critically wounded to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo for further treatment. An initial investigation suggested that the bus experienced brake failure while navigating the challenging Barangay Igbucagay National Road. This same spot had witnessed a similar incident years earlier, resulting in two deaths.
In response to the tragedy, Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao assured that the Provincial Government would cover all hospital expenses for the victims and provide PHP 20,000 as initial financial assistance to their families. Vallacar Transit Inc., the operator of Ceres Bus, expressed apologies and assured cooperation with any investigations. The Department of Public Works and Highways was urged to retrofit the road to prevent future accidents, given its history of incidents due to its delicate curves. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation.