Korean killed, three others hurt in Kawasan accident

What should have been an enjoyable day for Korean students spending the Lenten Holidays in the cold waters of Kawasan Falls turned tragic after a Korean intending to leap into a pool landed on a raft instead, killing one, and injuring himself and two others last Friday.

Police said the accident took place in the Kawasan Falls in barangay Matutinao in Badian town, one of the favorite vacation sites for local and foreign tourists.

PO3 Jeremias Elarde of the Badian Police Station said the fatality, Leon Sang Guen, 24, died at St. Peters Hospital in nearby Alegria town while being treated for severe injuries to the head and body.

Those injured were identified as Ryu Ho-Jun, 25; Leon Chang Sun, 22 and Chun Seong Ah, 24.  They were also rushed to the same hospital but later transferred to a private hospital in Cebu City.

Leon Sang Guen, Leon Chang Sun and Chun are studying English in one of the language schools along Juana Osmeña Street in Cebu City, while Ryu is also studying at another English school in barangay Tejero.

Elarde said both parties were not actually with one another but it only happened that they were Koreans spending a vacation in the same spot.

Reports said the victims the Leons and Chun were onboard a bamboo raft crossing the river towards the falls and did not notice Ryu perched atop of a cliff preparing to dive into the water.

It was not yet clear why Ryu was not able to see the raft and leaped off the cliff, landing on the raft and the other Koreans.

Elarde said Ryu is now under guard in his hospital room.

Regional police chief Ronald Roderos said, Ryu may face charges for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and also for physical injuries.

Elarde said it was the second time that someone died in the Kawasan Falls this week. A day before the incident, Nelson Tiro, 30, of sitio Kawayan, barangay Yati, Liloan town was drowned in the area.  — Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP