LTFRB suspends bus firm over NLEX crash

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday issued a preventive suspension order against Buenasher Transport Corp., the owner of the Del Carmen bus that figured in an accident along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Valenzuela City on Friday that left eight people dead and 25 others injured. 

The LTFRB said it issued the  suspension order as it investigates the bus company for possible liabilities. 

“The LTFRB has directed the operator to immediately suspend operation pending investigation,” LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III told reporters in a message posted on Viber.

The order covers 19 units under the fleet of Buenasher Transport plying the route of Cubao to Sta. Maria,
Bulacan.

The LTFRB also directed the the Passenger Accident Management and Insurance Agency (PAMI) to process the insurance benefits of the victims.

“The PAMI already sent their representatives to the hospital to assist the victims,” Delgra said.

The bus was travelling from Bulacan to Metro Manila when it rammed a private sport utility vehicle. It hit the barrier and fell on its side on the northbound lane.

The accident also snarled traffic on the expressway.

The fatalities were identified as Leo Victorino, 38; Jennifer Fernandez, 32; Joan Salcedo; Mary Grace Alvarez; Maria Paz Mariano; Zeus Lapig; Norberto Ancajas, 48; and call center agent John Christopher Ednave, 36.

Among those injured were Cherilyn del Rosario, 23; Michael Abogadie, 28; Nikki Agustin, 27; Rjay Mark Mallari, 31; John Patrick Gayon, 10; Justin Gayon, 7; Neil Bryan Antonio; Jaykee Arriesgado; Leonila Hermogenes; Rafael Mohan Giron, 7; BPO agent Radhel Lucas, 41; call center agent Jully Ann Jose, 32; and Sujan Shretha, 44.  – With Marc Jayson Cayabyab