LTFRB to conduct probe on deadly Bukidnon bus mishap
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered an investigation into the cause of a road accident involving a passenger bus that killed three persons, Thursday afternoon, in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
LTFRB 10 Regional Director Allan Guro said that after his office reported the incident to the Central Office, LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada instructed him to conduct the investigation.
Guro has also issued a show cause order to the operator of the ill-fated Rural Transit Mindanao Inc., (RTMI) bus, and was asked to submit a report within 72 hours.
Guro said the bus, which was plying the intra-regional route of Cagayan de Oro and Valencia, Bukidnon, was on its way to Valencia when the accident happened.
Police identified those who died on the spot as passengers Irene Gaa, 30, of Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, and Regine Abug, 10, Purok 2, Barangay Maligaya, Malaybalay.
Another victim, 14-year-old Jomiaca Tacay, of Barangay Patpat, was hit by the bus.
Twelve of the passengers were admitted to the hospital, while nine others were declared out of danger and sent home by attending physicians in two hospitals in Malaybalay.
Sr. Insp. Joselle Longakit, provincial police spokesperson, said they were also looking into the cause of the accident, but witnesses said the driver of the air-conditioned bus tried to swerve the bus to miss hitting a pedestrian who suddenly crossed the national highway in Purok 2, Barangay Patpat, Malaybalay.
The driver reportedly failed to recover from that sharp swerve due to slippery road conditions, rolled on to its side and skidded along the highway. It also hit the façade of a local Baptist Church.
Most of the 24 passengers sustained wounds, including the driver, the bus fare collector, and a police officer who was on board the bus.
All those injured were brought to the nearest medical facilities for treatment.
RTMI management, according to Guro, has already provided financial assistance to the victims and families of those who died in the incident and food to the other passengers.