LTFRB summons driver, operator of modern jeepney that hit concrete post

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday said it imposed a 30-day suspension on the operations of a modern jeepney that was involved in a recent road crash in Cubao, Quezon City.

This was after the death of one of the passengers of the modern jeepney, which crashed into a concrete post on Sunday.

A 31-year-old male passenger died following the accident, which also left 21 other passengers injured. The victims included six minors, with the youngest victim being a six-year-old boy.

In a statement, LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II said he wanted a clear explanation on the circumstances that led to the road crash.

“We want to know if this has something to do with the road worthiness of the motor vehicle or if the driver is at fault. We will find out in the course of the investigation,” Mendoza said.

The road crash happened at the corner of P. Tuazon and 15th Avenues in Barangay Socorro in Cubao, Quezon City. The modern jeepney is under a transport service cooperative.

The LTFRB issued a show cause order (SCO) to the transport cooperative, which was ordered to explain in writing why its franchise should not be suspended or canceled over the incident.

The operator was also told to inform the involved driver to submit an explanation in writing as part of the investigation into the possible case of reckless driving.

The LTFRB set the hearing for the case on May 6.

The operator was also ordered to submit the involved vehicle’s maintenance records while the driver will be made to undergo a drug test and a road safety seminar.

The LTFRB said the respondents’ failure to comply with the SCO may result in a P5,000 fine and a decision based on the evidence at hand. — JMA, GMA News