LTO summons bus driver, operator after engine cover kills pedestrian in Quezon

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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order (SCO) against the driver and operator of a passenger bus involved in the death of a pedestrian in Atimonan, Quezon.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. on November 5, 2026, along the northbound lane of Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tagbakin, the LTO said in a news release.

According to a police report, the bus was traversing the highway when its engine cover suddenly detached while the vehicle was moving and hit a pedestrian standing by the roadside while waiting for a ride to Manila.

The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Doña Marta Hospital. The victim was declared dead on arrival.

The LTO identified the bus driver and operator and formally served them with the SCO, according to LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao

Under the order, the driver and operator are required to appear before the LTO Central Office's Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on November 13 to submit their sworn statements and explanations, along with supporting documents, regarding the alleged violation of reckless driving.

The bus operator is also facing charges of employing a reckless driver and breach of franchise conditions.

The LTO said the driver's license may be suspended or revoked if the agency's final decision finds him to be an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

As part of its immediate action, the agency ordered the driver to surrender his license to the IID for a 90-day suspension. The bus has also been placed under alarm.

"Negligence in maintaining a passenger bus in good condition should never result in the loss of life. Every part and component of a vehicle must be ensured to be safe and in proper working condition before it travels, as even a single oversight can lead to a road tragedy," Lacanilao said.

The LTO assured the public that those found violating transportation laws and regulations would be held accountable.

It also vowed to intensify its monitoring of the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles to prevent similar incidents and protect the lives of all road users. —LDF, GMA News