By Martin Sadongdong
A passenger died while 22 others were injured when a speeding bus accidentally flipped over in Aurora province Saturday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
Police Colonel Cosme Abrenica, chief of Aurora Provincial Police Office, said a Joy Bus bearing plate number TXZ 585 was traversing a downhill road in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora, Aurora province around 6:10 a.m. when it suddenly toppled over.
Citing results of initial investigation, Abrenica said the driver of the bus identified as Jesus Onod, 40, lost control of the vehicle while descending the road. The bus flipped on its left side and rolled over.
The impact crushed one elderly passenger identified as Filipinas Lim, 51, who was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians at Aurora Memorial Hospital.
Meanwhile, 12 passengers, including Onod, were rushed to Premiere General Hospital in Baler, Aurora while 10 others were brought to Aurora Memorial Hospital for immediate treatment.
It was learned that the bus came from Baler and was bound to Metro Manila.
A follow-up investigation was conducted by the Aurora police to determine the cause of the accident.
Police were also waiting for the hospital’s release of Onod before he can be documented.
Charges for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and multiple frustrated homicide were prepared against Onod.