Bus firm's operations suspended after fatal accident

BATANGAS, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended the operations of a bus company after one of its units figured in an accident in Sto. Tomas town here last Saturday that left three passengers dead and at least 30 others injured.

LTFRB Chairman Thompson Lantion said he would suspend for one month the franchise of PP Bus Lines, which plies the Davao-Manila route, while checking the road-worthiness of all its buses.

This, after three people – identified as Melba Roma, Larry Daclitan and Shermain Bayson – were killed and at least 30 others were hurt when a Manila-bound PP bus (with license plate TWZ-752) collided with a Quezon-bound truck in Sto. Tomas before dawn Saturday.

Superintendent Raul Tacaca, Sto. Tomas police chief, said the PP bus was cruising the Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Vicente when it collided with the six-wheeler truck driven by Luisito Quinones and fell into a six-foot deep canal.

Tacaca said the bus driver, Francisco Jacinto, might have fallen asleep while driving. “But we are still investigating and gathering more statements from witnesses,” he added.

The two drivers, both detained, could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries, Tacaca said. – With Ed Amoroso