MABUHAY, Zamboanga Sibugay — An ambulance reportedly belonging to a local medical facility plunged into the sea at Hula-Hula Port in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday, causing alarm among residents and bystanders who witnessed the unusual incident.
Initial reports indicated that the ambulance, believed to have originated from OMH, accidentally rolled off the shoreline area and fell into the water. The incident immediately drew the attention of local residents and prompted a swift response from emergency personnel.
Responders from the Mabuhay Fire Station, under the leadership of SFO3 Michael A. Coquilla, Acting Municipal Fire Marshal, immediately proceeded to the scene and conducted a vehicular extrication operation to recover the submerged vehicle.
According to the initial investigation conducted by authorities, the ambulance driver had reportedly parked the vehicle near the shoreline but failed to properly engage the handbrake before leaving it unattended. As a result, the vehicle gradually rolled forward and eventually plunged into the sea.
Upon arriving at the site, firefighters found the ambulance partially submerged in the water. Rescue personnel immediately assessed the situation to determine any potential risks and verify whether there were individuals trapped inside the vehicle.
Fortunately, authorities confirmed that no passengers were inside the ambulance when the incident occurred. A thorough assessment of the scene further revealed that no casualties or injuries were sustained by any person involved in the accident.
To recover the vehicle, responders attached a recovery rope to the rear portion of the ambulance while securing the opposite end to a fire truck positioned onshore. Using the fire truck, rescuers carefully pulled the vehicle from the sea and successfully extracted it without further incident.
The special rescue operation was completed safely and efficiently, preventing additional damage and ensuring the safety of everyone at the scene.
Authorities continue to document the incident and assess the extent of damage sustained by the ambulance. They also reminded motorists, especially operators of emergency and service vehicles, to observe proper parking procedures and ensure that handbrakes are securely engaged before leaving vehicles unattended, particularly in areas near slopes, shorelines, or bodies of water.
While the exact ownership and operational status of the ambulance have yet to be officially confirmed, authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation progresses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how a simple oversight can potentially lead to serious accidents, although in this case, quick response efforts and favorable circumstances helped avert what could have been a tragic outcome.