Brake Failure Forces Cebu PUJ Driver to Make Critical Crash Decision
A public utility jeepney (PUJ) experienced a terrifying brake failure while traversing Cebu Veterans Drive in Nivel Hills, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 11:00 in the morning. The incident resulted in three passengers sustaining injuries and being promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Driver's Quick Thinking Averts Potential Catastrophe
According to the driver, identified as Rodrigo Sanchez, who was operating the 04H (Plaza-Housing) route, he suddenly realized his vehicle's braking system had completely failed. Faced with a dire emergency, Sanchez made a split-second decision to deliberately steer the jeepney into a sidewalk to bring it to a halt. He explained that this action was taken to prevent the vehicle from careening uncontrollably downhill, which could have led to far more severe consequences.
"I had no other idea because if I had let it roll further down, it would have caused much greater damage. I just crashed it there," Sanchez stated, emphasizing his priority was to minimize harm. He firmly believed that without this intervention, the likelihood of fatalities among passengers and others would have been significantly higher.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Emergency services, including ambulances from Barangay Busay and the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation, swiftly arrived at the scene. KJ Torrejos, a Lahug fire volunteer who was among the first responders, reported that the injuries sustained by the passengers were not life-threatening, providing some relief amidst the chaos.
Currently, the Traffic Enforcement Unit has taken custody of driver Rodrigo Sanchez. Authorities are preparing to file a case of Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Multiple Physical Injuries against him, as the investigation into the exact cause of the brake failure and the circumstances of the crash continues.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about vehicle maintenance and road safety in urban areas, sparking discussions on preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
