LTFRB Suspends Operations of 62 Valisno Express Buses

(PNA) — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) suspended for 30 days the operations of the entire fleet of Valisno Express bus company on Wednesday after one of its 62 passenger buses figured an accident that killed four people and wounded 16 other passengers.

Valisno Express passenger bus, with plate number TXV 715, driven by George Pacis, crashed into a concrete arch marking the boundary of Caloocan City and Quezon along Quirino Highway at about 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Four died on the spot while 16 others, including the bus conductor, were taken to nearest hospital for treatment on head and body injuries.

Bus driver Pacis escaped after the incident but later surrendered to police.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said on his official Twitter account that in view of the accident, the entire fleet composed of 62 buses will be suspended.

Ginez further said that yellow plates of the 62 buses would also be confiscated by LTFRB inspectors. All 62 buses will also be required to undergo road-worthiness inspection by Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Furthermore, all drivers of the bus company will be required to undergo road safety seminar, drug test, and secure police and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Earlier, the LTFRB suspended two Philippians buses for reckless driving that endangered the lives of passengers and motorists last April.

Both buses were also said to be running at high speed when they reached Tandang Sora Flyover and appeared to be racing each other. (PNA) RMA/ANP