8 hurt as bus rear-ends crane

MANILA, Philippines - Eight passengers were injured when a bus rear-ended a crane parked along EDSA in Guadalupe, Makati City yesterday morning.

Philippine Corinthian Liner bus driver Jun Abbas was arrested by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-Traffic Enforcement Group (MMDA-TEG) personnel following the accident. He faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and damage to property.

Police Officer 3 Jorge Julian said the bus hit the crane at high speed, damaging the front and middle section of the bus. Abbas was unhurt.

Julian said Ruby de Leon, 21; Ed de Leon, 49; Marlyn de Leon, 59; Ricky Boladio, 33; Lolita Abat, 24; Ramon Seratore, 52; Randy Royo, 29; and Josue Viola, 39, were all sitting near the front. They were rushed to the Ospital ng Makati for treatment of minor injuries.

Romeo Manalad, driver of the Cato truck-mounted crane, told probers he pulled over near the Metro Rail Transit’s Guadalupe station on the southbound lane of EDSA at around 4:30 a.m. after running out of gas.

He told police he had his warning lights on to alert drivers of oncoming vehicles.        – Jose Rodel Clapano