Seaman killed by LRT train

The man, who jumped into the tracks of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system and was hit by an approaching train at the Vito Cruz station in Malate, Manila, succumbed to massive head injuries at the hospital the other night.

Police said Rolly Buenafe, 40, a seaman, of Bagong Silang, San Pedro, Laguna, died at the Philippine General Hospital past 8 p.m. while undergoing emergency treatment.

He was identified through documents found on his wallet.

LRT security guard Jimmy Tan who was manning the south-bound portion of the Vito Cruz station at past 3 p.m. told investigators he was clearing commuters from the platform when the victim suddenly jumped into the tracks.

The Baclaran-bound train dragged the victim underneath for several meters before it finally screeched to a stop.

LRT personnel pulled out the victim from underneath the train and rushed him to the hospital.

Police ruled out foul play based on the guards’ statements.

"The man apparently committed suicide," police quoted the guards as saying.

Investigators said Buenafe was reportedly suffering from depression after being abandoned by his wife for another man.

One Amador Isidro, reportedly the victim’s father-in-law, was informed of the victim’s death. – Nestor Etolle