5 killed, 19 injured in Quezon bus accident

(Updated 9:05 a.m.) An engaging conversation between a bus driver and a conductor turned deadly after their vehicle hit another bus in Quezon province shortly before midnight Tuesday. Radio station dzBB reported Wednesday morning that at least five passengers were killed and 19 others injured in the collision at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday along the diversion road in Lucena City. The accident involved a JAM Liner bus (TYG-422) reportedly heading for Lucena City from Manila, which hit a JAC Liner bus (plate CVB-508) from the opposite direction. It said the conductor of the JAM Liner bus, who was not immediately named, told police investigators he was having an "engaging" conversation with the bus driver at the time. He said they were so engrossed in their small talk that it was too late when they saw the oncoming JAC Liner bus. Radio station dzRH cited sketchy reports initially identifying the fatalities as Angeline Opi; Hermilda Yungco; Maria Claire Sadangsang of Quezon City; Irma Sadangsang; and Virginia Sadangsang of Quezon City. The 19 injured, who reportedly included the drivers of the two buses, were rushed to Mt. Carmel Hospital and the Quezon Medical Center. As of 7 a.m. Wednesday, police were still investigating what caused the accident. - GMANews.TV