Train rams van in Tondo

A motorist who tried to beat a passing train in a railroad crossing in Tondo, Manila was seriously hurt when the Philippine National Railways (PNR) train rammed into his van and flipped it on its side.

The victim, identified as Domingo Ong, is reportedly in serious condition and remains unconscious at the Metropolitan Hospital in Tondo. Details of the victim’s background could not be immediately determined.

Reports from the Western Police Traffic Office showed the incident happened at the corner of Abad Santos and Antipolo streets in Tondo at around 10 a.m. yesterday.

Witnesses said Ong, who was on board a silver Toyota Revo, with licence plate no. WSJ-192, tried to cross the railroad tracks despite the coming train.

The railroad crossing, however, is not protected by a railroad bar. — Jose Aravilla