Scavenger killed, one hurt by garbage truck

A scavenger was killed while her companion was injured after a garbage truck hit them at the dumpsite in barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, last Thursday morning.

Primitiva Jimenez, 49, of Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City, was declared dead upon arrival at the Mandaue City Hospital after she sustained multiple injuries in her head and body.

Her companion Leopoldo Manggabon, 49, of barangay Umapad was also injured and presently confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Initial investigation conducted by the Mandaue Police Traffic Management Unit revealed that at around 11:30 a.m. last Thursday, Jimenes, Manggabon and other companions were at the dumpsite looking through the garbage for items that they could sell to junk shops.

Minutes later, a garbage truck with plate number EZD-609 driven by Eduardo Tormis, 32, of Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City arrived.

Witnesses said when the driver backed up the truck after dumping his load, Lozano and Manggabon who were sitting nearby sorting out trash did not notice the truck and were hit.

The victims were rushed to the hospital after the incident as Tormis surrendered to the police.

But traffic investigators released the driver after relatives of Manggabon said they are not interested in filing charges against him. - Jose P. Sollano