Some passengers in Quezon smashup transferred to Manila hospitals

Some of the passengers injured in a predawn smashup in Quezon province Saturday were transferred to hospitals in Metro Manila for further medical treatment.

The part of the highway where the accident occurred was reopened but motorists were cautioned against slippery portions there, radio dzBB's Peewee Bacuño reported.

Citing updated information, the report said some of the seriously injured passengers were brought to hospitals in Metro Manila via ambulances from Gumaca and Pagbilao towns and Lucena City.

Police said Saturday's accident occurred at about 1:20 a.m., when a delivery van in front of a "Super Lines" bus heading for Bicol went out of control after its brakes failed.

The bus hit the delivery van and went out of control, hitting other vehicles in the opposite lane.

Also, investigation showed the smashup occurred on a dark, accident-prone area of the highway.

Meanwhile, the dzBB report said that while the part of Maharlika Highway had been reopened to traffic, motorists should still drive carefully as crude oil had spilled on some portions of the road.

At least 19 people were confirmed killed and over 40 others hurt in the accident. — LBG, GMA News