At least four people were killed and 16 others were injured after a Valisno Express bus with plate number TXV 715 rammed a concrete post marking the boundary of Quezon City and Caloocan City Wednesday morning.
According to reports, the bus was speeding along Quirino Highway around 7:11 a.m. when it suddenly slammed into the post.
The incident killed two people instantly as the bus was practically sliced in half. One of the two victims who died on the spot was identified as Eduardo Agabug, 39, of Tala, Caloocan City. The other casualty, a woman, is yet to be identified as she suffered severe damage on the face. Their bodies were retrieved from under the bus.
The two other casualties were declared dead at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital (DJNRMH ) in Tala, Caloocan.
While reports initially said 16 other passengers were hurt, authorities believe the number could reach 30 as most of the injured were rushed to different hospitals.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a 30-day preventive suspension order on the entire fleet of Valisno Express bus company a few hours after the accident.
The LTFRB said all 62 Valisno buses will undergo roadworthiness inspections by the Land Transportation Office while its drivers will be required to undergo a road safety seminar and a drug test, and secure clearances from the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.
The bus driver, identified as George Pacis, escaped from the accident site and remains at large while its conductor, Ferdinand Dacusan, was taken to DJNRMH for treatment.
