EDSA-Ortigas flyover fire: DPWH holds bus firm liable for damages

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued a formal demand to the company which owns the bus that recently caught fire along EDSA-Ortigas Interchange to cover the cost of repairing the damage to the flyover as a result of the incident.

In a demand letter to LS8 Tourist Transport Corporation, the DPWH noted that the fire, which lasted for approximately one hour last Friday, has caused significant heat damage to the "soffit of the box girder at span 7" of the interchange.

Based on the agency's initial assessment, other structural damage was also observed such as concrete spalling, exposed reinforcing steel bars in localized areas of the affected span of EDSA-Ortigas Interchange, and thermal discoloration deposits underneath the structure indicating the bridge was subjected to dangerously high temperatures.

Last April 24, the bus caught fire along the southbound of the EDSA-Ortigas flyover which caused heavy traffic in the area. 

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon signed the DPWH demand letter to the bus firm.

The DPWH said that as the owner and operator of the vehicle is liable for damages under the Civil Code provisions on "quasi-delict," which holds employers and agents acting within the scope of their assigned tasks into account.

With this, the bus company is being ordered to pay for all initial repair costs and reimburse the government for any further expenses incurred during permanent remedial works.

GMA News Online reached out to LS8 Transport's contact details for comment, but the company has yet to respond as of posting time.

The DPWH's demand was issued "without prejudice" to other potential legal actions, and the DPWH has called for immediate compliance to ensure the structural integrity of the major thoroughfare. — VDV, GMA News