20 hurt in SLEX mishap

Twenty people were hurt yesterday in an accident involving an overloaded service pickup truck on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Parañaque City.

Investigators said three of the victims, identified as Nelson Favia, 44, Robert Dinerio, 27, and Sonny Maoza, are in serious condition and are being treated at the South Superhighway Medical Center (SSMC).

Hospital officials said Favia was under close observation at the Intensive Care Unit while the other two were on standby for their turn at the operating room.

Police Officer 3 Joselito Quila, of the Traffic Management Group, said the victims were on board an Isuzu Elf truck (UFJ-297) on the southbound lane when the vehicle’s right rear tire burst at around 6 a.m. near the Sucat exit.

The driver, identified as Alvin Mauricio, 43, told investigators that he then lost control of the vehicle, which rammed the concrete barrier at the center island before rolling over.

Quila said the victims were all construction workers from Taytay, Rizal on their way to Alabang in Muntinlupa City for a project.

Police investigators said they are still determining if charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple physical injuries could be filed against Mauricio.

"Overloaded kasi ang sasakyan. Maaring ito and dahilan kung bakit pumutok yung gulong," Quila said.