Train drags man to death in Manila

A 46-year-old driver was killed after a commuter train of the Philippine National Railways ran over him and dragged his body for several meters on the railroad tracks in Pandacan, Manila yesterday morning.

The body of Romeo Gujeta, of 2601-A Jesus St. in Pandacan, was beyond recognition after it was mangled by the metal wheels of a southbound commuter train with body no. 902.

Senior Police Officer 2 Demetrio Bunquin said the victim tried to cross the railroad tracks at the corner of Tomas Claudio and Laura streets at around 10 a.m., even though he already spotted the approaching train. The slow-moving train hit the victim.

The victim’s body was dragged by the train along the tracks for about 50 meters, but the train did not stop and continued with its voyage, according to witnesses.

Accidents involving commuter trains are not unusual for railroad dwellers who are accustomed to beating the tracks of the fast approaching train.

Meanwhile in another accident, a motorcycle rider was killed when he collided head on with a cargo truck in Ermita, Manila early morning yesterday.

The victim, who was declared dead on the spot, was identified through his ID as Benedict Villaflor.

Investigation showed the accident happened at the corner of San Marcelino and Remedios streets past 2 a.m.

After the collision, the victim was subsequently ran over by the right rear tire of the cargo truck with license plates NTC-771. The driver of the truck, reportedly a certain “Miranda,” escaped and abandoned the vehicle. – Nestor Etolle