Manila-bound bus burns on NLEX

HOT WHEELS. A Manila-bound Santrans bus catches fire on NLEX Friday, Feb. 15, 2013,. No one was hurt in the incident. JODEE AGONCILLO Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—A Santrans Bus headed for Manila caught fire and was completely gutted Friday on the North Luzon Expressway in Marilao, Bulacan.

Bus conductor Joel Gumafelix said no one among the bus’ 60 passengers was hurt as driver Romulo Bancolita ordered them to immediately get off the bus. The Santrans bus had a seating capacity of 58.

The incident happened at 6:30 a.m.

Gumafelix said he calmed the passengers down by telling them not to worry as the bus used diesel fuel.

Bancolita told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that when he smelled something burning and felt heat coming from below his feet, he jumped outside the window and tried to disconnect the battery from the engine but fire suddenly broke out.

According to Senior Fire Officer 3 Vicente Serafin the bus was to be towed as soon as possible.