Investigators release findings of SF Bay Area limo fire

August 19, 2013
Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

REDWOOD CITY, Calif–Law enforcement officials addressed the findings of the fatal limo fire that claimed the lives of five Filipina nurses en route to a bachelorette party.

The California Highway Patrol’s investigation has determined that the fire was caused by mechanical problems with the rear suspension system.

No criminal charges will be filed, but the Public Utilities Commission will impose fines on the limo company for allowing passengers to overcrowd the ill-fated limo. The maximum occupancy was suppose to be 7, however it was carrying 9 passengers, all of them Filipino.

Investigators say the events unfolded quickly, and the limo driver Orville Brown pulled off to the side of the road as soon as he saw that something was wrong.

The tragic event happened last may as Neriza Fojas was celebrating her upcoming wedding in the Philippines. The limo then caught on fire as it was crossing westbound on the San Mateo Bridge.