9, hurt after passenger bus rams 8 vehicles in Manila

Nine people were hurt after a passenger bus rammed at least eight vehicles along Taft Avenue in Manila on Tuesday evening.

According to a report by Jhomer Apresto on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Wednesday, CCTV footage showed several vehicles were hit and motorcycle riders were knocked over during the incident.

The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said that at least eight vehicles were hit during the incident. The MDRRMO said nine people sustained injuries and were given first aid.

A witness, Chax Louie Testa, said the bus appeared to be traveling at a fast speed.

“Bumangga pa nga siya doon sa isang poste ng LRT. Tapos nakita ko na lang, inararo niya 'yung mga ibang kotse, pati 'yung mga motor. Marami talaga siyang nabangga,” Testa said.

(He even crashed into an LRT post. Then I saw him plow into other cars, even motorcycles. He really crashed into a lot of vehicles.)

One of the vehicles hit was a white multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Its driver Elie Sungahid said he and his passenger were traveling from Binondo and heading to Pasay to pick up someone.

“Hindi ko na naisip. Paglingon ko kasi nandoon na yung nguso ng bus doon sa tapat ko. Napasigaw na lang ako ng ‘Lord’,” Sungahid said

(I didn't think about it. When I turned around, the bus was already in front of me. I just screamed, 'Lord.’)

Sungahid suffered a bump on the head after hitting the car door, while his passenger sustained an arm injury due to shattered glass.

Initial investigation revealed that the bus may have encountered a brake issue.

Barangay 669 Kagawad Ariel Completo urged bus drivers to observe caution, especially in areas like Taft Avenue.

“Lagi namang dahilan nawalan ng preno. Sa mga bus driver, lalo na sa area na iyon, sana pagsapit sa area na iyon, medyo mag-slow brake na lang para makaiwas sa anumang aksidente,” Completo said.

(Brake failure is always the reason. I hope the bus drivers, especially in that area, when they get to that area, they just slow down a bit to avoid any accidents.)

The bus driver is currently under the custody of the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Manila Police District while the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet allowed media interviews with the driver.

The driver may face charges of reckless driving resulting in multiple physical injuries and multiple damage to property.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News