LTO suspends driver after viral fatal crash involving child

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver’s license of a Toyota Hilux owner following a viral video showing a vehicle striking and killing a young girl in Ilocos Sur.

LTO Assistant Secretary Markus Lacalinao ordered a 90-day preventive suspension against the driver, whose vehicle has also been placed under an alarm status pending the results of a formal investigation.

An initial probe found the driver was traveling west on Suyo-Cervantes Road in Barangay Uso, Suyo, when the vehicle hit the child. Local reports indicate the girl had just stepped off a tricycle with her mother and was crossing the street when the collision occurred.

She was declared dead on arrival at the Ilocos Sur District Hospital.

The LTO issued a show-cause order requiring the driver to appear before the Intelligence and Investigation Division in Quezon City on 23 January. The driver must submit a sworn statement explaining why he should not be held administratively liable for reckless driving and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

“A life taken away cannot be restored — especially the life of a child who had dreams to achieve,” Lacalinao said in a statement. “I urge all drivers to always be careful and responsible on the road. Follow traffic laws for the safety of everyone.”

The agency warned that if the driver fails to attend the hearing or submit an explanation, the LTO will resolve the case based on existing evidence and documents.