17 hurt as pickup turns turtle

CEBU, Philippines - Seventeen construction workers were injured when the pickup truck they were traveling in turned turtle after hitting a lane divider along Ouano Avenue at the Reclamation Area in Mandaue City at past 8 p.m. Monday.

Driver Jovenile Sasa, 20, single, and a resident of barangay Looc in Mandaue City, sustained bruises.

Also injured were Ruel Gonzales, 24, Jerry Sinse, 24, Bienvinido Gariado Jr., 46, Dennis Sandajon, 39, Nonilo Yamson, 34, Jonathan Palcente, 28, Joefrey Oglang, 23, Erwin Gonzales, 28, Rosito Alaba, 29, Benjie Alba, 29, Dindo Bihag, 22, Carno Waletes, 31, Bonbon, 20, Dennis Misajon, 28, Greggy Conge, 24, and Joseph Ballesteros, 21.

SPO2 Eduardo Flores of the Traffic Division said the vehicle was moving fast while on its way to barangay Looc where most of the workers live.

At this time, a pedestrian suddenly crossed the street, leaving the driver with no option but to direct his pickup toward the lane divider.

 Flores said most of the workers were taken to the Mandaue City Hospital.  (FREEMAN)