In a tragic incident, a Russian national lost her life and two others were injured when their car veered off a cliff and plunged into a sea cove in Sitio Tayong, Barangay Guibuangan, Barili town, south of Cebu. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on January 8, 2024.
The injured Russians, identified as Lurii Sergeevich Samminskii and Arcehob Akssenov Georgii, managed to crawl out of the wrecked red sedan that landed amidst rocks on the seashore. However, their companion, Irina Akcehova Aksenova, was found motionless inside the vehicle. Local residents, who rushed to the scene, promptly called for emergency assistance.
The tourists, previously traveling from Moalboal town to Cebu City, lost control of their vehicle, leading to the 200-foot plunge off the cliff. Upon arrival at the Barili District Hospital, an initial investigation revealed a bottle of beer in the bag of one of the passengers, possibly indicating alcohol consumption prior to the accident.
The Barili local government, led by Mayor Pablo John ‘John-John’ Garcia IV, has made efforts to contact the Russian Embassy about the accident. They also arranged for the transport of the injured tourists to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for treatment. The deceased’s body remains at the Barili District Hospital’s morgue, pending contact with embassy representatives.
This unprecedented incident in an area not known for accidents has prompted Mayor Garcia to collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways for potential safety measures like sign installations. He also emphasized the importance of caution during long drives and the avoidance of alcohol consumption while driving.