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By Daisy CL Mandap
Two overseas Filipino workers injured in the fatal bus crash
in North Point on Monday, Dec 10, have been identified by officers of the
Consulate as Silvestre Velasco, Jr. and Marjorie Salvador.
Velasco, 50, is a family driver who has been working in Hong Kong for years. He visited Labor Attache Jalilo dela
Torre on Wednesday, a day after being discharged from the Pamela Youde
Nethersole Hospital
The two were injured when a bus that had just been parked by
its driver on Cheung Hong street rolled down the slope and crossed busy Kings
Road, before hitting two vendors’ stalls in an alley on the other side.
Four people were killed on the spot and 11 others, including
the two Filipinos and the bus driver, were injured.
During his visit to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office,
Velasco reportedly recounted how he was sideswiped by the runaway bus while he
was standing on the pavement on Cheung
Hong street
He had reportedly just bought a packed lunch after dropping
off his employer’s child at a nearby school when he saw the bus start to move.
Velasco said he tried to move away from the vehicle’s path but he was still hit
on his right arm.
At the time, Velasco said he was nearly abreast of the
driver and saw him try to stop the bus from rolling down the hilly road, but
was instead run over.
Latest reports indicate the bus driver is still in serious
condition, with wounds to his head and upper body.
Labatt dela Torre advised Velasco about the claims he could
pursue as a result of his injury, including employee compensation and financial
aid from the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance scheme of the Social Welfare
Department.
He could also apply for Legal Aid to pursue a personal
injury claim from the insurers of the school bus.
On Tuesday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam pledged help to the
families of those who died or were injured in the accident. She also said
safety measures to prevent road accidents will be stepped up.
