License of modern jeepney in fatal Bulacan mishap suspended

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Central Luzon has suspended the license of the operator of a modern jeepney that figured in an accident in Bulacan.

Two people died while 20 others were injured when the jeepney hit a motorcycle before it fell into a cliff in Barangay Iba O Este in Calumpit town on Tuesday afternoon.

The LTFRB said the suspension of the Carmexss Transport Service Cooperative (TSC) is expected to pave the way for a smooth investigation into the incident. 

The Carmexss TSC will not be allowed to ply the route for 30 days pending results of the investigation, the agency said.

Reports said the jeepney, driven by Orlando Dungan Jr., tried to overtake as it was traveling along  MacArthur Highway, causing it to collide with a tricycle with four people on board.

The tricycle driver and one of his passengers died in the accident. Twenty passengers, including two from the  tricycle, were rushed to a hospital for treatment of injuries.

Reports said the jeepney developed engine trouble, causing the driver to lose control of the wheel.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office chief Vigor Mendoza II ordered the driver and owner of the jeepney to explain why their licenses should not be suspended.

Mendoza said the license of the driver and license plate of the jeepney would be suspended for 90 days, starting on the date of the receipt of the show-cause order.