The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended three passenger buses operated by Elavil Tours Inc. following a road crash in Juban, Sorsogon that left two people dead and nine others injured.
In a statement, LTFRB Chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said the accident occurred on Monday along the Barangay Rangas section of the Maharlika Highway and involved one of the company’s buses and a private vehicle.
“We in the LTFRB are saddened by this tragic incident. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and we assure them that we will look into this case in the interest of truth and accountability,” Mendoza said.
The LTFRB said it issued a show-cause order directing Elavil Tours to submit a notarized explanation on why it should not face additional penalties over the incident.
The board also ordered the bus driver involved in the crash to undergo tests to determine whether he was physically fit and in the proper condition at the time of the accident. The driver was likewise instructed to explain why he should not face sanctions.
Mendoza said the agency would also verify whether the bus underwent regular preventive maintenance and other roadworthiness inspections.
“We also want to check if the vehicle involved has updated insurance because we want to extend assistance to the victims through the fast processing of insurance payments,” he said.
The LTFRB chief also directed the agency’s regional office in Bicol to coordinate with insurance companies to help expedite the release of payments to the victims.
A hearing on the case has been scheduled on June 1 at the LTFRB Regional Office in Legazpi City.