By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The number of Our Lady of Penafrancia devotees hurt in Saturday’s bus mishap along Maharlika Highway near Barangay Mulay, Calauag, Quezon, has risen to 43.

PO1 Samuel Merluza, Calauag Police Station radio operator, said the stricken Silver Star Bus (TYZ-921) was carrying 56 passengers when it lost control and skidded off the area around 2:07 a.m.

Initially, 20 persons were reported injured but this now has climbed up to 43.

He added the bus was driven by one Antonio Baultro, who immediately fled after the accident.

Merluza said all of the victims are residents of San Pedro, Laguna.

The victims are now undergoing treatment at hospitals in the nearby towns of Calauag, Lopez, and Gumaca.