BACOLOD CITY: Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Saturday ordered an investigation into the road accident involving a city-owned tourist bus that claimed the life of a public school teacher and injured more than 30 other passengers in Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental late Friday afternoon. 'We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic accident to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,' Benitez said in a statement. Police reports said the passengers included 32 teachers of the Paglaum Village Elementary School in this city and five of their immediate family members. The group, along with the driver and a helper, were on their way home from a supposed team-building activity in San Carlos City when the accident occurred. The bus fell on its side when the brakes failed while the driver was negotiating downhill along Purok Talus in Barangay Igmaya-an at about 5:40 p.m., the police report said. Benitez said the city government has provided hospital assistance to all the injured passengers. 'The Department of Social Services and Development will assess their needs and facilitate the immediate release of their assistance. We are coordinating with the local hospitals to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care available,' he added. The mayor extended his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and also sent prayers to those who were injured. 'We are committed to providing them with the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time,' he added. Source: Philippines News Agency