TACLOBAN CITY- A man was killed while nine others were injured when a bus, owned by the Tacloban City government, rammed through several vehicles and pedicabs on Friday (February 2) morning in Catbalogan City.
Reports reaching the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police disclosed that the bus, driven by Aniceto Lumbre, 55 and a resident of Ridge View in Barangay Calanipawan, this city, lost its brakes while it was sneaking its way towards Rizal Avenue, Catbalogan City, at about 9 am.
This resulted for the wayward bus to hit 13 vehicles and pedicabs that were parked in the area which is located near the Catbalogan City Hall.
One of the passengers of these damaged vehicles, Adriano Sonio, 65 and a resident of Brgy. 9, Catbalogan, died while nine others sustained injuries.
They were identified as Evelyn Roque, Monalisa Jabonero, Eusebia Lama, Maria Leyson, Elena Jabiquero, Ricardo Mabansag, Nelson Mabilangan, Danilo Esquerdo, and Martin Rod Leyson.
The fatality and the injured victims were brought to the Samar Provincial Hospital.
The driver was detained at the Catbalogan City lock-up facility.
The bus, with plate number 073208 and donated by the Office of the President to ferry residents living at the resettlement sites in the northern part of Tacloban City, was on its way to Calbayog City for the opening of the EVRAA (Eastern Visayas Regional Association Athletic) Meet and with personnel from the Department of Education on board when the freak accident happened.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
