According to a Lucena Police report, the RSL passenger bus with plate number EVR 733 was travelling towards Manila on the Maharlika Highway portion of Barangay (village) Ibabang Dupay at around 3:10 am when the bus drove straight into the ongoing road excavation.
The driver, identified as Sergio Jr Sagun Angel, 51, said there were no early warning devices or lights and the warnings signs were not clearly visible.
The passengers suffered slight injuries and were identified as Catalino Forgalidad Sesbreno, 53, Richard Balaga Rico, 47, Marie Grace Despi Caretero, 52, Vivian Carino Albina, 32, Mario Francis Emila Embesto, 34, Flora Delprado Glico, 61, Jessica Villamor Ramos, 31, and Jerry Rizalde Hila, 43.
The victims, including the driver, have been brought to the Mt. Carmel Diocesan General Hospital and Quezon Medical Center for medical treatment, the report said.
The bus had suffered major damage and was in the custody of the Lucena Central Police Stations.
The victims were undecided on whether they will file a complaint against the bus driver, police said.