7 hurt in collision

CEBU, Philippines - Seven were injured when a taxi collided with a passenger multicab along A. C. Cortes Ave. in Mandaue City at around 4:30 a.m. yesterday morning. 

Driver of KEN taxi Macario Lao, 53, of Talisay City alleged that he was being held by a passenger when the collision with a multicab occurred. The multicab was driven by one Joniel Diacamos, 29, of Cadarohan, Borbon town.

A report by the Mandaue City Traffic Division showed that both vehicles were traveling on opposite directions when the collision happened.

All passengers and drivers of both vehicles were injured and taken to the Mandaue City Hospital.

Traffic investigator SPO3 Eleazer Saromines said he doubted what Lao had said.

Lao alleged that his passenger sitting beside him announced a holdup, took his earnings, and then grabbed the steering wheel because he wanted him to stop the car.

In the process, the taxi swerved to the opposite lane and collided with the multicab, Lao said.

However, Saromines said the driver was inconsistent with his answers.

Saromines said that if it were true that the taxi driver was robbed, he could have stopped the car immediately. He said he presumes the taxi driver could have fallen asleep on the wheel.

Saromines said charges might be filed against the taxi driver. (FREEMAN NEWS)