5 killed, 11 injured in Malinta road mishap

Five persons were killed while 11 more were injured, when a runaway bus rammed a passenger jeepney crashed into a barrier-wall at the Malinta Exit of the North Luzon Expressway yesterday morning.

In his report to Valenzuela Traffic Division chief Inspector Ronald Peralta, Traffic Officer Mario Dulap identified the fatalities as Juarlito Javier of Barangay 70, Valenzuela; Ramon Yupangco, of 676 P. Mendoza St., Tondo, Manila; Joseph Valenzon Jr., reportedly an employee of the Manila City hall and a resident of Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela; Oscar Monteverde, the bus conductor and a still unidentified male person.

Aida Cuadra, chief nurse at the Valenzuela General Hospital where the victims were taken, identified the injured as Jonas Culzon of Victoria Village, Canumay; Maricel Grivar of Punturin; Yolly Dantes of Paso de Blas; Aida Ferenia of Mapulang Lupa; Remy Gatchalian of Dulong Tangke, Malinta; Olivia Dunn of Bignay; Amy Reyes of Malinta, all of Valenzuela City; and Annaliza Culdoza of Dandan St., Tondo, Manila; Jackie Miro of San Lazaro street, Oroquieta, Manila; Mary Ann Suner of Dasmariñas, Cavite and Lorenza Gapasin.

Victims Cuizon and Gapasin were later transferred to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila for treatment of severely fractured skull.

The accident occurred at around 7:30 a.m. at the Ibabaw Tuktukan, Barangay Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City, traffic officials said.

Witness Emelle Ulbina, a day care teacher, told traffic probers that a Santrans Bus Transit Liner, with license plate TWO-882 plying the Novaliches-Sta. Cruz route, was running very fast when it slammed into the rear of a passenger jeepney, with license plate NXS-509, driven by Dindo Luzon, who sustained head and body injuries.

The wayward bus then hit a number of sidewalk vendors before crashing into a barrier wall. The still unidentified bus driver, allegedly reeking of alcohol, fled from the scene.

SPO1 Amelito Sanchez, officer on case, said he is making representations with the bus company for the identification of the bus driver even as charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries and damage to property are being readied against the suspect.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian has approved the release of financial assistance ranging from P3,000 to P5,000 for each of the victims.

"We are extending financial assistance to the families of our injured constituents, including those who perished in the unfortunate incident," Gatchalian said.

Venus Gaoiran, city social welfare chief, said the city hall is giving assistance particularly to cover medical expenses. Indigent residents of Valenzuela are also entitled to a 20 percent discount on medicines at the Valenzuela General Hospital . — Jerry Botial