9 hurt as speeding van rams 2 tricycles in Pasig

At least nine people, seven of them high school students, were hurt when a speeding delivery van rammed two tricycles in Pasig City yesterday.

The students were on their way to class at the Rizal High School, when the incident took place.

The van driver, identified as Federico del Castillo, 58, was arrested by responding traffic policemen and is now detained at the Pasig City Jail.

Among those hurt were tricycle drivers Ernesto Gallardo, 63, and Ernesto Ariola, 34. Six of the students were identified as Roldan Lizada, Sheila Mae Abate, Candy Medle, John Roy Cuareto, Mark Anthony Abante and Danica Ramos.

Initial investigation showed that Del Castillo was behind the wheel of the van (XMN 536) and traveling along the East Bank Road in Barangay Manggahan on his way to Marikina City when he tried to overtake a slow moving vehicle at 9:30 a.m.

However, the car ahead of him did not give way despite his repeated honking.

Del Castillo’s van hit two tricycles loaded with students on the opposite lane.

Witnesses said the tricycle drivers and the students were thrown from the tricycles upon impact.

Bystanders rushed the victims to the Pasig City General Hospital, where they were declared out of danger.

Police said Del Castillo admitted his guilt and blamed himself for the accident. "Nataranta ako at hindi kaagad nakaapak sa preno," he said.

Police are readying charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple injuries against him.