LTO summons bus driver behind fatal road accident in QC

A passenger bus is seen here crashing into several vehicles — UV Express, six motorcycles, and a taxi on Monday night, April 30, 2024. INQUIRER.NET/FAITH ARGOSINO

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday said it summoned the driver and the registered owner of a passenger bus involved in a fatal accident in Quezon City to appear before its office amid an ongoing probe.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said it has also placed the driver’s license under preventive suspension for 90 days, while the bus was placed under alarm.

“We are already conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and part of this investigation is the summon sent to the driver and registered owner of the passenger bus to appear before the probe team of the LTO,” said Mendoza in a statement.

READ: 3 dead, 17 hurt in Fairview multi-vehicle accident

Show-cause order

Based on the show-cause order, both the driver and registered owner were ordered to appear before the LTO-National Capital Region office on May 9 with their written and notarized explanation on the incident.

Both individuals face various administrative cases, including reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle with defective equipment, and improper person to operate a vehicle.

“Failure to appear and submit the notarized affidavits at the above-stated time, day, and place shall be construed as a waiver to be heard and controvert the allegations against you, leaving this Office to resolve the case administratively based on the available records,” the show-cause order read.

It was on April 29, Monday when the bus driver rammed into several motorcycles and a van in Quezon City.

Citing initial investigation, the LTO said the passenger bus was traveling along the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue when its brakes malfunctioned and rammed into several motorcycles and a van.

The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals—one motorcycle rider and two passengers of the van.

Eleven other people were also injured in the accident.

Local police are set to file criminal charges against the bus driver, identified as Rolly Canapi Pascua.