31 incidents recorded since PNR Naga-Legazpi train resumed in 2023

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has documented 31 incidents, including vehicular accidents and side-swipes, since the resumption of train operations in 2023.

Trips to Naga City from Ligao City and vice versa resumed on July 27, 2023 while trips to Legazpi City from Naga City and vice versa resumed on December 27, 2023.

Since operations restarted, PNR has recorded 18 vehicular accidents and 13 side-swipe incidents involving individuals hit or grazed by trains.

These accidents have resulted in 20 injuries and six deaths.

According to Atty. Celeste Lauta, PNR Officer-in-Charge General Manager, the primary cause of these accidents is motorists crossing at train intersections.

"No matter how much we want to avoid any incident, wala kaming paglilikuan, hindi siya [ang tren] dadaan somewhere else," Lauta said.

The PNR Board has investigated each incident and provided humanitarian assistance.

"But, we have to remember kasi na hindi ganun kadali para sa board o management na magbigay ng malalaking [assistance] kasi the PNR ay tumatakbo kami sa right of way," Atty. Shyanne Juan-Monera, Manager of the PNR Legal Division, said.

Crossings

The Bicol Region has 89 authorized crossings where pedestrians and vehicles can pass safely when no train is approaching.

However, there are 75 unauthorized crossings, which are more hazardous.

The PNR closed two crossings each in Albay and Camarines Sur to enhance safety.

“We coordinated with barangays; during the closure, present sila," Engr. Jaypee Relleve, Manager of the PNR Engineering Department, said.

"And we requested na ma-prohibit ‘yung residents, the motor vehicles, and pedestrians to cross, especially, ‘yung mga crossing, ‘yung iba talagang medyo delikado," Relleve added.

PNR plans to close 20 more crossings across the region before 2024 ends. —GMA Regional TV