Probe on LRT-2 train collision ordered

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Gen. Reynaldo Berroya has ordered the creation of a fact-finding committee to determine the cause of the train collision incident at the LRT-2 (LRT-2), between Cubao and Anonas stations, over the weekend.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, on the other hand, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will get to the bottom of the incident.

“Should we prove that it was caused by anybody's fault or negligence, we will make sure that the appropriate charges will be filed,” Tugade assured.

Some thirty passengers and four LRT-2 personnel sustained injuries in the train collision. Five were confined at World Citi Medical Center and at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

Following the incident, Tugade, Berroya, and DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan visited the injured passengers and assured them that the LRTA and DOTr will reimburse all their medical bills, follow-up checkups plus resulting loss of income.

Tugade also instructed that all injured passengers should be provided with food, free shuttle service going home. Those confined at hospitals were given fruit baskets.

The transport agencies assured the public that they are taking this incident very seriously, and are exerting all efforts to prevent it from happening again.

The LRT-2 resumed its operation with train insertion at 10:47 a.m. of May 19. Full line service operation started at 12:13 p.m.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte is waiting for the result of the investigation.

In his Monday press briefing, Panelo said Duterte is probably aware of the situation and is now waiting for a report on the investigation.

“I suppose he reads the news and the management of that outfit has already apologized to the public, and has conducted or is conducting an investigating on the matter,” he said.

“The President will be waiting for a report on the incident,” he added. (With a report from Argyll B. Geducos)