LTO summons truck owner, drivers over fatal Quezon wake crash

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LUCENA CITY, QUEZON, Philippines — The registered owner and two drivers of a cargo truck involved in the fatal crash that killed four people and injured 11 others in Pagbilao, Quezon have been ordered to explain before the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Calabarzon as the agency launched its administrative investigation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, the LTO said it had served a show cause order (SCO) on the truck’s registered owner and the two drivers as an initial step to protect public safety while the investigation is ongoing.

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“As an initial measure to safeguard public safety while the investigation is ongoing, the LTO Calabarzon issued a show-cause order against the two drivers and the registered owner of the vehicle,” the agency said.

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The LTO also imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s licenses of both respondents and placed the truck under alarm status, prohibiting any transaction involving the vehicle without the agency’s prior approval.

READ: 4 dead, 11 injured as wayward cargo truck plows into wake in Quezon

A show cause order is a formal summons issued by the LTO to drivers and registered owners to explain why they should not be sanctioned for a certain violation.

The incident occurred at around 10:45 p.m. on June 29 along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Ibabang Palsabangon, Pagbilao.

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READ: Tricycle driver killed in Quezon road mishap

The truck, allegedly driven by a man identified only by the alias “Gil,” crossed into the opposite lane and plowed into people gathered outside a residence where a wake was being held.

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Two victims died at the scene after becoming trapped beneath the truck, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in separate hospitals in Lucena City. Eleven other victims sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Police investigation revealed that Gil was not the truck’s authorized driver but merely served as the driver’s helper.

Authorities said the truck had traveled from Naga City. Upon reaching Plaridel, Quezon, the designated driver, identified only as “Rene,” allegedly allowed Gil to take over the wheel while he rested and slept behind the driver’s seat.

Investigators believe Gil fell asleep while driving, causing the truck to veer into the opposite lane and crash into the group.

The LTO’s investigation further showed that Gil held a driver’s license valid only for motorcycles and was not authorized to operate a cargo truck of that classification.

“This tragedy serves as a reminder that the responsibility of driving and compliance with established regulations should never be taken lightly,” said LTO Calabarzon Regional Director Elmer Decena.

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The agency said it will continue coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies to ensure a swift, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into the fatal incident. /cb