LTO suspends bus driver’s license over fatal Quezon bus crash

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended for 90 days the license of the bus driver involved in a fatal road crash in Pagbilao, Quezon on Monday night.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, LTO-Region IV-A said the preventive suspension was imposed “as an initial measure to ensure public safety while the investigation is ongoing.”

The LTO said the driver has been ordered to surrender his license during the scheduled hearing.

It added that the bus involved in the incident has been placed under alarm status, prohibiting its use, sale, or transfer without LTO authorization.

Police earlier reported that two male passengers died while 35 others were injured after athe Manila-bound passenger bus plunged into a 32-foot-deep ravine on April 20.

Initial investigation showed the bus was navigating a descending curve along a diversion road in Barangay Silangang Malicboy when it reportedly experienced brake failure.

The driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and plunged into the ravine.

The impact hurled passengers forward, leaving dozens with varying injuries. The victims were rushed to hospitals in Lucena City.

The two fatalities were declared dead on arrival at Quezon Medical Center.

LTO-Region IV-A Director Elmer Decena said the agency is coordinating with police and other concerned offices to ensure a swift, fair, and thorough investigation.

He stressed that the LTO will not tolerate reckless driving, especially when it results in loss of life and endangers the public.

“We will not hesitate to enforce the full extent of the law against motorists who put lives at risk,” Decena said. “The LTO will intensify monitoring and enforcement, particularly on public utility vehicles, to safeguard commuters,” he said. /gsg