Clearing operations for wrecked bus in La Union begin

The Department of Public Works and Highways on Tuesday started removing the wreckage of a passenger bus along the Marcos Highway in Pugo town in La Union province, a television report said. GMA News’ Cedric Castillo reported on QTV’s Balitanghali that the DPWH has sent a wrecker to remove the PJM Love Bus that slammed a tree along the highway last Saturday, leaving 12 people dead. The report said the wreckage would later be taken to Pugo town’s police station for further scrutiny. About 5:40 p.m. last Saturday, the bus’ brakes reportedly malfunctioned while it was negotiating a sloping road. The strong impact shattered the front panel of the bus, throwing some of the passengers outside and killing eight instantly. The bus was carrying pilgrims, who were all from the St. Peter Parish in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on their way back from visiting churches in Baguio City when the accident happened, police said. — Sophia Dedace/LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV