MANILA, Philippines – Teacher and reviewer Janus de Leon shared details of how he survived after his car accidentally fell off the Paliwan bridge in Antique on Monday, January 23.
According to reports, De Leon and his companions were driving from Kalibo, Aklan, on their way to San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, at around 8 p.m., when their car swerved to avoid the broken Paliwan bridge and fell into a ravine. The group was unaware that the bridge had been severely damaged by Typhoon Paeng last year. The group suffered minor injuries and was taken to the nearest hospital while their car was completely destroyed.
On Facebook, De Leon shared photos of the accident and expressed his gratitude for surviving it. He said it was God’s grace that saved him that day.
He wrote, “Thank you Lord for another life. Nahulog sa bangin (40ft) dahil umiwas sa putol na tulay, na total wreck ang sasakyan, I’m at the passenger seat and this I how it looks like. I cannot explain how I survived this experience if not with God’s grace, my guardian angels and those who are praying for me. After waking up, all I can say was Thank you Lord. No fear. No anxiety. Only gratitude. Thank you to everyone who responded. Hindi ko na kayo maisa isa ngayon. Pero maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
In another post, De Leon shared the experience of “flying in the air” before they crashed and lost consciousness. He also went on to share that his near-death experience took him to a place where there were “several people wearing colorful robes, or what, the place is very bright. Not the usual type of dream.”
When he gained consciousness, he realized that he had been given another chance to live. He added, “I am protected by the Lord. If the Lord is with us, then who can be against us? It is not my time. I still have my purpose. I will not waste this 2nd chance.”
Due to the accident, De Leon said that he will forever be grateful for his second chance at life. He also reminded everyone that “Your life is important. Live it to the fullest. Feel the love of your family. Laugh with everyone.”
In the end, de Leon, who is also a nurse, midwife and board topnotcher, said he couldn’t wait to return to work. “Nakaka overwhelm pagmamahal nyo. Parang ang bilis ng paggaling ko. Gusto ko na mag-lecture. Hehe,” he said.
Residents had long complained about the broken bridge's lack of warning signs and other safety equipment. According to Oliver Zamora, officer-in-charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways' Maintenance Division, the new Paliwan Bridge will cost more than P355.8 million to build and take about one and a half years to complete.
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Janus de Leon survived after their car fell into a ravine after avoiding the broken Paliwan bridge at night | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Janus de Leon |
According to reports, De Leon and his companions were driving from Kalibo, Aklan, on their way to San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, at around 8 p.m., when their car swerved to avoid the broken Paliwan bridge and fell into a ravine. The group was unaware that the bridge had been severely damaged by Typhoon Paeng last year. The group suffered minor injuries and was taken to the nearest hospital while their car was completely destroyed.
On Facebook, De Leon shared photos of the accident and expressed his gratitude for surviving it. He said it was God’s grace that saved him that day.
He wrote, “Thank you Lord for another life. Nahulog sa bangin (40ft) dahil umiwas sa putol na tulay, na total wreck ang sasakyan, I’m at the passenger seat and this I how it looks like. I cannot explain how I survived this experience if not with God’s grace, my guardian angels and those who are praying for me. After waking up, all I can say was Thank you Lord. No fear. No anxiety. Only gratitude. Thank you to everyone who responded. Hindi ko na kayo maisa isa ngayon. Pero maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
In another post, De Leon shared the experience of “flying in the air” before they crashed and lost consciousness. He also went on to share that his near-death experience took him to a place where there were “several people wearing colorful robes, or what, the place is very bright. Not the usual type of dream.”
When he gained consciousness, he realized that he had been given another chance to live. He added, “I am protected by the Lord. If the Lord is with us, then who can be against us? It is not my time. I still have my purpose. I will not waste this 2nd chance.”
Due to the accident, De Leon said that he will forever be grateful for his second chance at life. He also reminded everyone that “Your life is important. Live it to the fullest. Feel the love of your family. Laugh with everyone.”
In the end, de Leon, who is also a nurse, midwife and board topnotcher, said he couldn’t wait to return to work. “Nakaka overwhelm pagmamahal nyo. Parang ang bilis ng paggaling ko. Gusto ko na mag-lecture. Hehe,” he said.
Residents had long complained about the broken bridge's lack of warning signs and other safety equipment. According to Oliver Zamora, officer-in-charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways' Maintenance Division, the new Paliwan Bridge will cost more than P355.8 million to build and take about one and a half years to complete.
— Sally, The Summit Express
