LTFRB sets up assistance centers for victims of N. Ecija bus crash

To assist survivors and families of passengers killed in last Tuesday's bus crash in Nueva Ecija that has claimed over 30 lives, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is setting up help desks to facilitate the processing of claims.

In an interview on "Unang Balita" on Thursday, chairman Martin Dlegra said that the LTFRB has actually set up a help desk in La Union for passengers based in the province.

"Sa  darating na Sabado, magse-set up tayo ng another desk sa Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya for the families of survivors who are being treated in hospitals [there]." 

He clarified that the financial assistance to victims will come from the bus firm's insurance company.

The death toll from the tragic road crash in Carranglan town in Nueva Ecija was up to 34 as of Wednesday, while the number of those in hospitals was at 44, Unang Balita said.

Delgra said that aside from ordering the suspension of operations of the bus firm LeoMaric, the LTFRB has already sent teams for a thorough investigation into the road incident, in time for the May 2 preliminary hearing on the case.  

He noted that the firm has only two bus units.

Also Delgra said that while the bus firm has no past records of deadly accidents, the bus unit involved in last Tuesday's road tragedy might be overloaded.

"56 ang capacity ng LoeMaric bus, pero sa bilang ng mga namatay, 33 as of kahapon (Wednesday) at 42 ang injured, aabot sa 75 ang sakay," he said.

Asked if the problem with the brakes was the cause of the accident, he said "it is still being investigated."

What is noticeable, he said, "is matarik ang daan at may sharp curves ... pero walang road signs sa area ng accident ... may barriers pero for light vehicles lang."

"We have talked to the owner, Leonado Patulot ... sasagutin ang hospitalization at may ibibigay na P200,000 each sa mga namatayan." —LBG, GMA News