2 dead, 3 hurt as car crashes, explodes

MANILA, Philippines - Two teenagers were burned to death while three others were hurt when their vehicle smashed into a lamppost and then burst into flames in Mandaluyong City Wednesday night.

Carla Mae Otogawa, 19, and Ralph Adrian Tuazon, 18, were burned beyond recognition, said Senior Inspector Elmer Rey Constantino, chief of the Mandaluyong City police traffic enforcement unit.

The driver of the ill-fated red Honda Civic (WJX-638), Alfonso Rafael Miranda, is fighting for his life at the Medical City’s intensive care unit.

The two other passengers, Michael Andrew Viray, 24, and Rosalie Navarro, 21, were treated at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

Constantino said the victims were cruising along Ortigas Avenue towards Connecticut street in Greenhills when Miranda avoided another vehicle at about 8:55 p.m. Wednesday. Heavy rains that afternoon made Metro Manila’s streets slippery.

Witnesses said the Civic veered towards the left, went over the center island and slammed head-on into a streetlight post.

Constantino said witnesses saw sparks that ignited a fire that burned to death Otogawa, who was seated beside the driver, and Tuazon, who was behind her.

Although injured, Miranda, Viray and Navarro managed to crawl out of the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames.

Police theorized that Otogawa and Tuazon were rendered unconscious by the crash.

The accident caused heavy traffic in the area.

Constantino said they were not able to talk to the survivors because they appeared to be in “shock.”

The parents of Otogawa and Tuazon appeared hesitant to subject the victims to an autopsy but assured Constantino they would provide him a copy of their death certificates.

The parents claimed they would consult their lawyers first before deciding what case to file against Miranda.