TEN PEOPLE were rushed to medical facilities after a Butuan-bound passenger bus suffered a catastrophic tire blowout, careened into a center island, and triggered a secondary motorcycle crash along the C.P. Garcia Highway in Panacan late Saturday night.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:39 p.m. on June 20, directly in front of the Shin Yahagi Motors Corporation.
An initial investigation conducted by the Davao City Police Office revealed that a Golden Dragon bus, operated by the Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation under the “Go Mindanao Metro Shuttle” line, was traversing the highway in a south-to-north direction.
The bus, bearing plate number NAY8264, was fully loaded with 58 passengers en route to Butuan City, according to the DCPO report.
The bus driver, identified as 45-year-old alias Allan of Tagum City, told investigators that one of the vehicle’s front tires suddenly exploded, causing him to lose control of the heavy vehicle and crash into the highway’s center island.
As the bus struck the barrier, a shower of heavy debris was thrown into the opposite lane.
Angelo, an 18-year-old resident of Panacan, was riding a blue Suzuki FV110 motorcycle in the opposite direction when he encountered the wreckage.
Unable to avoid the scattered debris, Panaguiton’s motorcycle slid violently across the pavement.
Medical responders from the A-04 ambulance unit arrived swiftly at the scene to provide immediate first aid to the teenage rider.
The victim, who sustained various physical injuries, was subsequently evacuated to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Bajada, Davao City, for emergency treatment.
While 49 of the bus passengers managed to escape the impact without severe injuries, nine individuals inside the Metro Shuttle required immediate hospitalization. They were transported to the nearest medical facilities for treatment.
Following the rescue and clearing operations, both the damaged bus and the motorcycle were towed to the Sasa Police Station for proper administrative disposition.
The bus driver was also brought to the police station for questioning as traffic investigators verify the mechanical failure claim.
