2 dead as van plows into pedestrians on España

Two people were killed, while a company driver was seriously hurt when a speeding van plowed into pedestrians on España Boulevard in Sampaloc, Manila early yesterday.

One of the fatalities was identified as Nick Dinglasan, 23, a service crew worker, of 727 Earnshaw street, Sampaloc. He was declared dead on arrival at the UST Hospital due to massive head and body injuries.

Investigators failed to identify the second victim, a woman in her late 20s. She also succumbed to multiple injuries at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

The driver of the speeding van is now undergoing treatment at the Perpetual Succor Hospital, according to traffic investigators. He was identified as Elmer Bagnes, 22, of San Juan, Batangas, employed with the DNS Shuttle Services of BPI Leasing Co.

Police said Bagnes was driving a white Nissan Urban Escapade (XKC-920) coming from Quezon City at top speed past 4 a.m. As the van tried to beat a red light at the corner of V.G. Cruz street and España Boulevard it hit a Ma. Buhay taxi (UFB-336) which was crossing the intersection.

Two people who were crossing the street were directly hit by the van.

According to witnesses, the driver appeared to have lost control of the van after the impact. The vehicle hit the center island, sending the van flipping and landing on its roof.

Bystanders pulled the unconscious driver from the wrecked van. The driver of the taxi, identified as Ricardo Daluddung, sustained minor injuries.