Truck rams SUV; 1 dead

A 55-year-old family driver was killed when his vehicle was hit by a wayward 10-wheeler truck on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Muntinlupa City early yesterday.

Police investigators identified the victim as Eduardo Castillo, a resident of Makati City.

Castillo was driving his employer, retired pilot Capt. Victor Mamon, when their white Honda CRV (XNH-508) was hit by a truck being driven by Ronnie Dio, 58, a native of Sto. Tomas, La Union at around 5:55 a.m.

Reports reaching the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) said the truck had tried to avoid a vehicle on the northbound lane when it lost control.

The truck crashed into the concrete barrier on the center island and entered the opposite lane.

"That was when it rammed into the southbound CRV, killing its driver," said Manuel Frades of the PNCC Operations Center.

Frades said a rescue team had a difficult time pulling out Castillo’s body from the wreck.

Mamon, 67, who was seated beside his driver, suffered cuts and bruises. He is now receiving treatment at the Asian Hospital in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Dio has been taken to the Traffic Management Group-Bicutan Detachment for investigation.

He faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide, physical injuries and damage to property. – Rhodina Villanueva