Tourist bus catches fire along EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — A tourist bus traveling to Cavite caught fire on Friday, leading to delayed train operations and heavy traffic along EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said.

According to the MMDA, the fire broke out at 6:10 p.m. and disrupted operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3. Train operations resumed at 6:50 p.m. after MRT-3 personnel confirmed that the overhead catenary system showed no burn marks.

Motorists faced heavy traffic along EDSA after two lanes near White Plains were closed.

The MMDA said the bus had no passengers when the incident occurred.

Bus driver Jorge Nario del Mundo told investigators he was en route to Cavite after having the vehicle’s engine and lights checked in Bulacan.

“The bus suddenly stopped, then it began moving slowly and felt tight, as if the tire was overheating,” Del Mundo said, adding that he heard an explosion when the tire caught fire.

Arson investigators are probing the incident as personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said a thorough inspection is needed to determine damage to and the structural integrity of the EDSA-Ortigas interchange.

“Further testing is advised to support a more detailed structural analysis, as exposed rebars and areas of spalling were observed in sections affected by the fire incident,” the DPWH said as it recommended that only light vehicles pass through the flyover.