Bus liner expresses apology over mishap

Vallacar Transit expressed its apologies to those involved in a tragic accident that resulted to the death of 12 persons, nine of whom are passengers, and the three being the bus driver, conductor, and a line inspector.

"We would also like to send our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families," the company said in a statement.

Last 5 December, at around 4:30 p.m., at KM 174, Igbucay, Hamtic, Antique, Ceres bus number 6289 met an accident.

The bus, which was carrying 24 passengers, was on its way to Culasi from Iloilo when it accidentally fell off a ravine resulting to serious injuries and casualties among bus occupants.

Accident-prone area

The area is known to be accident-prone, with numerous vehicles falling off therein in the past.

VTI's branch, administration and maintenance managers, operations personnel, liaison officers and nurses from both the West and East branches were immediately dispatched to the location of the incident to assist the victims.

VTI has reported the incident to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board immediately, and is willing to cooperate with any investigations they will be conducting.

In coordination with the LTFRB Region 6, the management has  decided to voluntarily suspend all operations of the 12 remaining units under the franchise involving Case 11-VI-021-AK pending investigation, wherein the bus involved in the incident had been a part of.

VTI said it will be providing financial assistance to the passengers and their families, as well as shouldering the medical and burial expenses.

The management has assigned personnel to be on stand-by at the hospital for further updates and assistance.

"Rest assured that we are doing everything that we can to make sure that this is being handled properly and carefully," according to the bus liner's statement.

The bus firm said it guarantees that it is taking appropriate steps to ensure that its buses are road-worthy and well-maintained.