The Davao City Fire District on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, said fire safety measures in buses are important to ensure passenger safety and prevent fire-related incidents after a passenger bus caught fire while on the road in Barangay Tuburan, Mawab, Davao de Oro.

The fire broke out around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, prompting passengers to rush out of the burning bus, while others jumped out of the windows in panic.

The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) deployed its personnel and fire truck to assist firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in putting the fire out, and provide security for motorists in the area.

According to the Mawab Fire Station, the bus was heading to New Bataan town from Tagum City when it caught fire suddenly upon reaching Mawab.

Authorities said the bus reportedly experienced engine trouble, which caused the fire.

“Ingon sa driver, more on electrical pero based on investigation gabii, nakita namo nga naa siya’y engine trouble resulting to overheating engine. Base sa atong nakita sa video, nakita nako sa Facebook, wala ko’y nakita nga intervention sa fire extinguisher, and then, upon checking pud sa fire scene kagahapon, wala pud ko’y nakita on-the-spot nga fire extinguisher,” Mawab Fire Station Ground Commander, SF02 Alvin Hubiera, said.

All 62 passengers, including the driver and conductor, are safe.

The damage was estimated at around P2 million.

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Davao (LTFRB-11) has issued a show cause order to the bus management and has also launched an investigation into the incident.

STEPS TO TAKE

BFP reminded passengers of the steps they can take when the vehicle they are riding catches fire, emphasizing the importance of staying calm and evacuating immediately.

Passengers are advised to use the nearest exit as much as possible, including emergency windows that can be broken and used as escape routes.

Once outside, passengers must move at least 100 feet away from the vehicle for safety.

BFP also encouraged those who are able to help others to assist fellow passengers during evacuation whenever it is safe to do so.

“Maging kalmado tayo then we evacuate immediately, use the nearest exit as much as possible, may mga emergency windows naman na pwede natin basagin anytime to be used as exit. Kung nasa labas na tayo stay away sa mismong bus 100 feet away. Kung kaya nating tumulong sa ibang pasahero tulungan natin,” Davao City Fire District Spokesperson, Fire Senior Inspector Frances Sendrijas, said.

BFP also emphasized the importance of having two exits in buses.

“Mas okay siya kung meron tayong another bus exit pwede siya sa rear part ng bus para hindi mahirapan in any case of emergency hindi lang sa nasusunog na bus kahit anong emergency na makalabas din yong mga passengers natin. Tulad sa nangyari nagsimula ang apoy sa harapang bahagi kaya ang ibang tao nag-aalangan na dumaan sa nag-iisang exit sa bus. The bus should also have a glass breaker,” Sendrijas added.