11 hurt as bus plows into vehicles at Makati traffic light

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued a preventive suspension order on the bus driver who plowed into 15 vehicles in Makati City on Friday hurting 11 people.

According to Dano Tingcungcos's 24 Oras Weekend report, bus driver Marlon Nacaytona also tested positive in his initial drug test.

The Makati Traffic Police said the victims were stopped at a traffic light on Antonio Arnaiz Avenue in Barangay Pio Del Pilar when Nacaytona, who was driving a P.B.T. Pitbull Bus Transport Corp. unit, crashed into them.

“Ang alegasyon ng driver kasi dito, 'yung minamaneho niyang bus nawalan ng preno. Nagtuloy-tuloy ng takbo, nabangga niya ‘yung isang private vehicle sa unahan,” said investigator Police Executive Master Sergeant Romel Salvador.

“Pagkatapos niya mabangga, nagtuloy-tuloy ng takbo at naararo naman ang 11 motorsiklo,” added Salvador.

Nacaytona will undergo a confirmatory drug test and inquest.

Authorities are preparing reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and damage to property, and driving under the influence of dangerous drugs complaints against the bus driver.

In a statement on Friday, the DOTr condemned Nacaytona over his alleged reckless and irresponsible driving.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show-cause order against Nacaytona and P.B.T. Pitbull Bus Transport Corp.'s manager.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also issued its own show cause order against the bus company.

The DOTr reiterated that it would not hesitate to impose sanctions as warranted against PBT Pitbull Transport Corp. and the bus driver involved in the crash.

“Let this serve as a warning to all our road transport partners that the DOTr… will not tolerate this irresponsible and reckless manner of driving which poses danger to life and damage to property,” it said.

“We will see to it that the full force of the law will be applied to these erring drivers and operators,” it added.

Nacaytona is detained at the Makati PNP. — Joviland Rita/DVM, GMA News