8 dead in NLEX bus accident

MANILA, Philippines — At least eight people were feared dead when a passenger bus bound for Manila overturned on the North Luzon Expressway last night in Valenzuela City.

Col. Carlito Garces, acting chief of the Valenzuela police, said several bodies were recovered inside the Buenasher Transport bus. The dead were not immediately identified.

An undetermined number of injured passengers as well as the bus driver were rushed to hospital following the accident that occurred on the southbound lane at around 7 p.m., Garces said.

“Extraction is ongoing. Reports show patients have already been transported for further medical action,” according to a Philippine Red Cross tweet posted at 9:22 p.m.

Based on initial investigation, the bus suddenly rammed into a private sport utility vehicle.

The passenger bus then fell to its side and onto the opposite, northbound lane.

Garces said the whole southbound lane of NLEX was left inaccessible for motorists after the accident, causing heavy buildup of traffic particularly in the Balintawak area, but this was cleared up immediately.

As of 11 last night, a boom crane was being used to move the bus from the road, even as several concrete barriers were damaged, ABS-CBN reported.