At least nine people, including an eight-month-old boy, died while 29 others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine after its driver lost control of the steering wheel along a national highway in Cauayan City, Isabela before dawn Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Roberto Damian, director of the Cagayan Valley Regional Police, said the Dagupan Bus Lines bus first hit a Toyota Hi-Lux and an Izusu D-Max before it fell into the ravine at the vicinity of Barangay Tagaran at around 3:30 a.m.

“We are still conducting investigation to determine why it happened,” said Damian in a phone interview, adding that among the focus of the probe is possible mechanical problem or the driver of the bus identified as Rolando Abar-Abar might have fallen asleep as it was in the wee hours when the incident occurred.

As this developed, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it will suspend the franchise of the Dagupan Bus Lines following the fatal accident.

“We intend to issue a cease-and-desist order while investigation is going on,” LTFRB Board Member Ma. Ellen Dirige-Cabatu told the Manila Bulletin when asked what actions the agency would take against the bus firm.

The driver’s license of the bus driver Abar-Abar is also expected to be suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pending completion of police investigation.

Quoting field reports, Damian said the Cagayan-bound passenger bus was travelling along the highway when it suddenly swerved towards the opposite lane and hit the two vehicles in its front.

The official said the driver of the Hi-Lux, Perlito Bautista, died on the spot on impact when the bus rammed the back portion of his car.

The driver of the other vehicle, on the other hand, identified as Mamentino Daturan sustained minor injuries and was taken to the nearby hospital.

“Most of the casualties are those on board the bus since it fell into the ravine,” said Damian. He added that the incident occurred near the Tagaran Bridge.

The cadavers of the seven bus passengers were retrieved during the search and rescue operation while its driver and 24 others passengers were taken to the nearby hospitals.

It was learned that 14 of the passengers were taken to the Cauayan City District Hospital while the 10 others at the Garcia General Hospital.

“The driver of the bus (Abar-Abar) was found 200 meters away from the accident area, he managed to crawl to safety,” said Damian, adding that the driver was taken to the Isabela Doctors General Hospital.

Six of the eight bodies were taken to the nearby funeral parlor while investigation is being conducted to determine the criminal liability of the bus driver.