6 killed in Zamboanga del Sur bus crash – NDRRMC

 

GMA News Zamboanga del Sur stringer Aude Hampong reported 17 passengers of the Rural Transit bus were in critical condition after the crash.

 

Police have taken into custody the bus driver, initially identified as Biato Dumpa.

 

Investigator SPO3 Erwin Vasaylaje said the crash occurred at about 12:10 p.m., with three killed on the spot and three succumbing to their injuries at the Kapatagan Provincial Hospital in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.

 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the Rural Transit bus came from Pagadian City and was headed for Cagayan de Oro City.

 

Initial investigation showed the driver swerved to avoid hitting a person who suddenly crossed the road.

 

Vasaylaje said the driver allegedly tried to hide in one of the houses in the area but police arrested him.

 

Dumpa now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide with serious physical injuries.

 

Investigation also showed the bus had 43 passengers at the time of the crash.

 

For its part, the bus firm's representative Roland Abalye apologized for the crash, and assured support for the victims.

 

“Humihingi kami ng pasensya sa pangyayari. Sisikapin namin na mabigyan ng suporta gaya ng financial support ang mga biktima tulad ng mga namatay at sugatan. Lahat ng mga kakailanganin ng pasyente at mga namatay ay ibibigay namin,” he said.

 

Serious injuries

 

The GMA News report said the fatalities' bodies were burned and mangled.

 

A two-year-old child was among the fatalities, according to grandmother Nicita Malaubang, 51, who survived the crash.

 

Malaubang added two of the injured were her child and grandchild.

 

She said the bus was traveling relatively slowly when she noticed some of her fellow passengers shouting. The bus then crashed, she said.

 

“Mahina lang naman 'yung takbo ng sasakyan. Nabigla na lang ako nang magsisigaw 'yung mga tao at naramdaman na lang namin na tumagilid at natumba na 'yung trak. Nadaganan ako ng mga kasama kong pasahero at medyo matagal din ako nakatayo. Kasama ko 'yung isang anak ko at dalawang apo,” she said.

 

Slowed down to avoid hitting someone

 

While Dumpa declined to speak on the crash, his conductor Wilson Nasareno said Dumpa suddenly slowed to avoid hitting a person who he claimed suddenly crossed the road.