A RANKING official of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) ordered the “parallel investigation” of a road crash that killed two and injured 14 others mostly students in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Lawyer Clarence V. Guinto, Director of LTO-Law Enforcement Service (LTO-LES), in an interview, said the leadership of the agency instructed LTO-Region 12, in coordination with local Philippine National Police (PNP) are now conducting a parallel investigation into the bloody road crash involving several vehicles including a speeding ten-wheeler truck, three SUVs (sports utility vehicles), three pickups, bus, tricycle, and five motorcycles.

Guinto said that the LTO personnel was the first to respond to the incident and ensured the safety of all victims, especially those injured and who suffered multiple wounds.

“Lalo na yung mga students,” said Guinto.

LTO-12 Regional Director was ordered to quickly conduct a drug test on all drivers involved in the accident, particularly the driver of the speeding truck.

“We don’t want to speculate… let’s wait [for] the official investigation report being conducted [by] the LTO-RD 12 and local PNP Traffic investigation before we issue any conclusion on this bloody vehicular accident,” said Guinto.

“Para malaman natin kung ano talaga ang nagyari at kung sino and dapat managot bakit ganung karaming sasakyang involved,” stressed Guinto.

Guinto added the LTO-RD 12 will also summon the registered owner of the speeding truck.

Tupi, South Cotabato Traffic Police said the speeding truck flowed into at least 14 vehicles on the busy highway in Tupi, South Cotabato, which resulted in the death of two civilians and injured 14 others, mostly students waiting for a ride.

According to the initial report, the truck allegedly lost its brakes before bulldozing its way on the busy highway and hitting all vehicles.

Police said the truck driver is now in their custody.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jun I. Legaspi