PUGO, La Union – Three persons died while five others were injured in a provincial bus crash at the intersection of the Aspiras Highway in Barangay Cares here on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
Capt. Myla Gavina, Pugo deputy police chief, identified the victims as bus conductor Josefino Romboa, 28, and passengers Mervilyn Hufalar, 26, and Hydelene Hufalar, 23, a nurse.
Police said the right tire of the Victory Liner bus with 44 persons on board burst on a downhill and curved part of the road on its way to Cubao, Quezon City from Baguio City before noon and crashed into an acacia tree.
Five passengers were injured – Acheng Kilaban, Perlito Rillorta, Reyan Guilalas, Juliet Gutierrez, and Lyn Miggol.
Rombaoa, Lagmay, and Hulafar were taken to a hospital where they died due to serious injuries.
Bus driver David Arcillana, 54, is in the custody of the Pugo police station for further investigation and proper disposal.