Bus Engine Hood Falls Off in Atimonan, Quezon, Killing Pedestrian — LTO Suspends Driver's License

Bus Engine Hood Falls Off in Atimonan, Quezon, Killing Pedestrian — LTO Suspends Driver's License

📌 At around 5 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, the engine hood of a moving passenger bus came off on Maharlika Highway in Atimonan, Quezon, and struck a pedestrian waiting for a ride by the roadside. The pedestrian died, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show-cause order to the driver and the operator and suspended the driver's license for 90 days.

■ What Happened
· The accident happened in the northbound lane in Barangay Tagbakin.
· According to the police report, the engine hood came off while the bus was running and hit a pedestrian who was waiting for a ride to Manila.
· The pedestrian was taken to Doña Marta Hospital but died before arriving.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· In a show-cause order dated the 7th, the LTO ordered the driver and the operator to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division at LTO headquarters on Friday the 13th to submit written statements and explanatory documents.
· The operator is also accused of hiring a reckless driver and violating the conditions of its franchise.
· The driver surrendered his license and is suspended for 90 days; depending on the final decision, the license may be suspended or revoked. The bus has been placed on the alarm list.
· LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said, "No one should lose their life because of neglected passenger bus maintenance" (GMA).

■ Advice for Residents and Travelers
· When waiting for a bus along a national highway, stand well away from the roadway.
· If a bus is rattling or has parts that look loose, you can report it to the LTO or transport authorities.

■ Sources
GMA (11/8), Daily Tribune (11/8), Inquirer (11/8)

■ Photos
· 1. Rescuers attending to the pedestrian at the accident scene — Daily Tribune
· 2. The accident scene and the LTO show-cause order — Inquirer