Panic on EDSA: Passenger Bus Bursts Into Flames in Quezon City Saturday Evening

By Metro Manila Correspondent

A Night of Chaos on the Capital’s Busiest Highway

Manila’s busiest highway, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue—known simply as EDSA—was brought to a standstill on Saturday evening after a passenger bus suddenly caught fire in Quezon City, sending thick plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky and forcing dozens of terrified commuters to scramble for safety.

The blaze, which witnesses say erupted just after 7:30 p.m., turned the six-lane stretch of highway into a scene of chaos. Vehicles screeched to a halt, drivers abandoned their cars, and onlookers whipped out their phones to record the terrifying spectacle. Within minutes, social media was flooded with videos of a bus engulfed in flames, its windows shattering from the heat as panicked passengers screamed in the background.

The Incident Unfolds

The ill-fated bus, reportedly heading southbound toward Pasay, had been carrying more than 40 passengers when the driver noticed smoke seeping from the rear of the vehicle near the Cubao area. According to survivors, the driver initially thought it was a minor engine issue—but within moments, the smoke thickened, and flames began licking the back seats.

“We heard people shouting, then we smelled burning rubber,” recalled Maricel Santos, a 28-year-old office worker who had boarded the bus in Quezon Avenue. “The driver kept calm, but we could already see fire spreading. Everyone rushed to the door.”

The driver quickly pulled over near a loading bay, opening both the front and middle doors to allow passengers to escape. Eyewitnesses said several passengers climbed out of the windows in panic as the fire spread rapidly.

Within five minutes, the entire bus was ablaze. The roof caved in as flames devoured the interior, reducing the

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Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, though at least 12 passengers sustained minor injuries—mostly cuts, bruises, and smoke inhalation. Four people were rushed to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment, including a 7-year-old child who had collapsed from shock.

“Thanks to the quick thinking of the driver and the cooperation of the passengers, we avoided a major tragedy,” said Fire Superintendent Ramon Cruz, who led the firefighting operation. “Had the fire spread while the bus was still moving at full speed on EDSA, the outcome could have been catastrophic.”

Traffic Paralysis Across Metro Manila

The bus fire triggered massive traffic congestion along EDSA, already infamous for being one of the most gridlocked highways in Southeast Asia. From Cubao to Ortigas, vehicles were at a standstill for nearly two hours as firefighters doused the flames and cleared debris.

Commuters reported delays of up to three hours as buses, private cars, and motorcycles struggled to maneuver through the blocked lanes. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed traffic enforcers to redirect vehicles, but the congestion rippled across multiple cities, affecting Mandaluyong, San Juan, and parts of Makati.

“I was stuck in traffic for almost two hours without moving an inch,” said Grab driver Joseph Mendoza. “All I could see was smoke and flashing lights ahead. It felt like the whole of EDSA had frozen.”

By 10:00 p.m., the bus carcass had been towed away, but traffic flow did not return to normal until after midnight.

Cause of the Fire Under Investigation

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but initial reports point to possible electrical malfunction in the engine compartment. Fire investigators collected charred fragments of wiring and engine parts from the wreckage for analysis.

The bus company, whose name has not yet been disclosed, has come under heavy scrutiny. Passengers claim the vehicle was visibly old and poorly maintained.

“I ride that bus line often,” said commuter Reynante Cruz. “Some of their units look like they’re decades old. It’s not surprising something like this happened.”

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered a full investigation and threatened to suspend the company’s operations pending safety inspections.

“This incident is a wake-up call,” LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz said in a statement. “We cannot gamble with the safety of our passengers. Operators must ensure their buses are roadworthy, or they will face strict penalties.”

Fear and Anger Among Commuters

For many Metro Manila residents, the incident has reignited long-standing frustrations about the safety and reliability of public transportation. Bus fires, though not frequent, are not unheard of. Over the past decade, at least a dozen similar incidents have been recorded, often attributed to faulty wiring, overheating, or poor maintenance.

“This is exactly why people fear taking public transport,” lamented 22-year-old student Anna Lopez, who was caught in the traffic jam. “We don’t just worry about being late—we worry about whether we’ll make it home alive.”

Others expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, but called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations. “We can’t just wait for a tragedy before taking action,” said commuter advocate Jun Magalong. “The government must conduct regular inspections, not just react after accidents happen.”

Social Media Explosion

Within minutes of the fire, hashtags like #EDSAfire and #BusBlaze trended across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Videos of the burning bus went viral, drawing millions of views and sparking debates about public transport safety.

Some netizens praised the driver for his heroism, calling him “the unsung savior” of the night. Others vented anger at the bus company, demanding accountability. Memes comparing Metro Manila buses to “rolling fire hazards” circulated widely, underscoring the public’s distrust of the system.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Reform

As investigations continue, the incident has placed renewed pressure on transportation authorities to modernize Metro Manila’s aging bus fleet. Advocates are calling for stricter safety checks, mandatory fire extinguishers on all buses, and better training for drivers in handling emergencies.

Urban transport expert Dr. Maria Herrera noted: “This fire should be treated as a red flag, not an isolated accident. EDSA is the artery of Metro Manila—if buses are unsafe, the entire system is at risk. Reform is not optional; it is urgent.”

For now, survivors of Saturday night’s blaze are just grateful to be alive. Many returned home shaken but safe, clutching their bags and belongings saved from the fire. The charred bus has already been towed away, but the memory of that night—of smoke, screams, and flames lighting up the Quezon City sky—will linger for years to come.

Conclusion

The bus fire along EDSA on Saturday evening serves as both a narrow escape and a grim warning. While tragedy was averted thanks to quick action, the incident has exposed once again the fragile state of Metro Manila’s public transportation system.

For the passengers who lived through the ordeal, the flames may be out, but the fear remains. And for millions of commuters who ride the city’s buses every day, the question now burns brighter than ever: How safe are we on the road?