Smash-ups damage 13 vehicles

A sudden downpour and Monday heavy traffic yesterday resulted in a multiple vehicular smash-up along the South Expressway that left 13 vehicles damaged, triggering a monster traffic jam.

The Philippine National Construction Company (PNCC) supervising the southern Metro Manila highway recorded at least three accidents in the Bicutan area but with no reported death or injuries. "The sudden rain made the roads slippery and that perhaps caused the accidents," said a PNCC official.

The PNCC said five vehicles — a bus and four vans — slammed into each other on the Southbond lane approaching the Bicutan interchange. A little farther past the interchange, five more vehicles smashed into each other.

On the northbound lane nearing the Skyway ascent platform, three more vehicles — an Isuzu trooper, a Galant and another unidentified car — rammed one another.

The PNCC said the out of season heavy rain poured down between six to seven in the morning. Traffic was reported heavy well into the afternoon and the vehicles involved in the accident were not removed until late morning. — Jose Aravilla