MANILA – A Valisno Express passenger bus coming from Baclaran burst into flames on Saturday morning while traveling the northbound lane of EDSA in Pasay City.
The bus – which was headed for Tungko in San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan – caught fire in front of the Heritage Hotel shortly after 6 a.m. of November 1.
Driver Ronald Domingo reported hearing a noise originating from the bus’ engine. He recalled that the brakes then failed to work, forcing him to quickly steer the bus toward the hotel in order to avoid plowing into other vehicles along EDSA.
Upon noticing fire emanating from the engine, Domingo yelled for the passengers to immediately get off the bus. He recounted that some panicked, and jumped out of the bus’ windows.
Some of the passengers sustained injuries; as did Domingo, who tried to put out the fire.
The Pasay Fire Department responded to the blaze, which according to Arson investigator FO3 Ariel Lacasabdile was likely triggered by a short circuit or overheated engine.