Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) — Transport regulators are still looking into possible causes that led to a tragic bus trip in Nueva Ecija which killed 34 people two weeks ago.
Earlier investigation by the Nueva Ecija police showed the driver lost control of the bus when the right front wheel burst, which led to the bus plunge into a ravine.
READ: At least 33 killed in Nueva Ecija bus crash
While survivors consistently point the finger at the brake, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said during yesterday’s hearing that there were many other lapses on the part of bus company LeoMarick Trans.
Bus company operator Leonardo Patulot said the unit was bought in 2006. However, LTFRB found out the bus’ engine was manufactured in 1984, making it over 30 years old.
Patulot also said Rolando Mangaoang, the driver who was among those killed in the mishap, had worked for them for around eight years. Despite minor accidents, he said Mangaoag was among their most cautious drivers.
Mangaoang was the only driver in the bus for the 15-hour trip from Ilagan, Isabela to Candon, Ilocos Sur. He was supposed to have a reliever.
“Sa bawat isang bus po kasi na tumatakbo sa company namin, may dalawa po, may spare na isa… Nagkataon lang na bumaba siya,” Patulot told LTFRB.
[Translation:There are two drivers in each bus. It just so happened that the other driver got off the bus.]
Another angle being looked into was overloading, as police estimate 77 people were on the bus, including about 15 teenagers. The bus only had a seating capacity of 45.
The next hearing will be on May 30 where LeoMarick Trans should submit its maintenance records before the crash.
