Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) Suspends Operations of 12 Bus Units Following Fatal Accident
BACOLOD CITY – In the aftermath of a tragic accident involving a Ceres Liner Bus in Hamtic, Antique, Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI) has announced the voluntary suspension of all operations of 12 remaining units pending the investigation.
On Tuesday, December 5, a Ceres Bus No. 6289, carrying 24 passengers on its way to Culasi from Iloilo, fell off a ravine at Kilometer 174, Igbucay, Hamtic, Antique, resulting in the death of more than 10 people.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, December 6, the bus firm expressed its immediate reporting of the incident to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and its willingness to cooperate with any investigation they will conduct.
The management of VTI also extended its heartfelt apologies to those involved in the accident, and expressed sincere condolences to the bereaved families.
VTI stated that there were 12 confirmed casualties at the moment, nine of which were passengers, and the remaining three were the bus driver, conductor, and line inspector.
According to the bus firm, the accident took place in an area known to be accident-prone, with numerous vehicles falling off therein.
In response to the tragedy, VTI dispatched branch, admin, and maintenance managers, operations personnel, liaison officers, and nurses from the West and East branches to the location of the incident to provide assistance to the victims.
The company also promised to provide financial assistance to the victims and their families, as well as to shoulder the medical and burial expenses of the fatalities. Management has also assigned personnel on standby at the hospital for further updates and assistance.
VTI assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure that their buses are road-worthy and well-maintained.
“Our top priority right now is to ensure that this situation is handled properly and carefully,” VTI emphasized in their statement.
The voluntary suspension of the 12 remaining bus units, which are under the franchise involving Case No. 11-VI-021-AK, reflects VTI’s commitment to fully address the incident and prioritize public safety.
