By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has placed a driver under preventive suspension after a sedan allegedly blocked a fire truck attempting to respond to an emergency in a narrow alley.
The agency issued a show-cause order against the driver and registered owner of the vehicle after a video posted on Facebook showed the sedan double-parked along the cramped passage.
The obstruction forced the responding fire truck to maneuver through the limited space. The truck eventually struck the sedan’s door while attempting to get past the parked vehicle.
The LTO ordered the driver to surrender their license, which has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while the case is being investigated.
The sedan was also placed under alarm status, preventing its registration or transfer of ownership pending resolution of the case.
Both the driver and registered owner were directed to submit sworn statements and other documents concerning the alleged violations of parking in a prohibited place and obstructing traffic. The required submissions are due by September 18.
The LTO said the driver could face a more serious penalty if the investigation establishes that they are an improper person to operate a motor vehicle, including possible permanent revocation of the driver’s license.
“Bawat segundo ay mahalaga para sa ating mga fire officers. Hindi dapat maging dahilan ang anumang paglabag o kapabayaan sa kalsada upang maantala ang kanilang pagresponde,” LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao said.
The agency emphasized that motorists must keep access routes clear, particularly when emergency vehicles are responding to incidents where delays can affect rescue and firefighting operations.
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