Jeepney rams LRT post on Taft: 1 dead, 4 hurt

A driver was killed, while four passengers were injured when a wayward jeepney jumped on the center island before crashing into a concrete post along Taft Avenue early yesterday.

The fatality was identified as Antonino Arcayna, of Dimasalang street, Sta. Cruz. He was thrown from his passenger jeepney and died on spot due to a head injury.

Four passengers identified as Dulce Garcia, of Sta. Cruz, Manila; Joel Reyes, 24; Jezzeel Sinday, 19; and Carlito Sayson, 44; all of Pasay City, were rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila after sustaining bruises. They were sent home after receiving treatment.

According to traffic investigation chief Inspector Leonardo Vitug, witnesses noticed a south-bound Baclaran-Blumentritt passenger jeepney suddenly going out of control and plowing through the center island before crashing into a concrete post of the Light Railway Transit.

The accident happened in front of De La Salle University along Taft Avenue at around 4:10 a.m.

Vitug said the jeepney driver was thrown out of the vehicle, landing head first into the pavement.

Witnesses said Arcayna could have fallen asleep while driving.

It was also fortunate that there were no people on the street at the time of the accident, Vitug said.