LTO issues show cause order vs bus driver, operator after fatal accident

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues a show cause order against a passenger bus driver and its operator following a fatal accident in Atimonan, Quezon, where a pedestrian was killed after being struck by the bus’s detached engine cover. —Photo from LTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against a passenger bus driver and its operator following an accident in Atimonan, Quezon, in which a pedestrian was killed after the engine cover struck the victim.

In a statement on Saturday, Nov. 7, the LTO directed the driver and operator to appear before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at its Central Office on Nov. 13.

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As part of its immediate action, the LTO directed the driver to surrender their license to the IID for a 90-day suspension.

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The incident occurred around 5 a.m. on Nov. 5 while the passenger bus was traveling along the northbound lane of Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tagbakin.

Its engine cover suddenly detached and struck a pedestrian standing by the roadside while waiting for a ride to Manila.

The victim suffered serious injuries and was brought to Doña Maria Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The LTO said the driver and operator must submit statements explaining their side of the incident, along with supporting documents, in connection with the alleged violations.

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READ: LTO suspends license of SUV driver linked to cellphone seller’s death

The driver faces a reckless driving charge, while the bus operator is being investigated for employing a reckless driver and breach of franchise conditions.

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The agency may also suspend or revoke the driver’s license if the final decision establishes that the driver is an improper person to operate a vehicle.

The bus has also been flagged by the LTO.

READ: LTO suspends license of driver who hit rider with baseball bat

“Hindi dapat humantong sa pagkasawi ng buhay ang kapabayaan sa pagpapanatili ng maayos na kondisyon ng isang pampasaherong bus,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao.

(Negligence in ensuring that a passenger bus is properly maintained should never result in loss of life.)

“Bawat piyesa at bahagi ng sasakyan ay dapat tiyaking ligtas at maayos bago ito bumiyahe dahil kahit isang pagkukulang ay maaaring magdulot ng trahedya sa kalsada,” added Lacanilao.

(Every part and component of the vehicle must be checked to ensure it is safe and in good condition before it is allowed to travel, as even a single oversight can lead to a road tragedy.)

The LTO said it would hold accountable those found violating transportation laws and regulations.

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Furthermore, it said it would strengthen its monitoring of public utility vehicles to prevent similar incidents. /ms