Woman killed, husband hurt in port accident

MANILA, Philippines - A 47-year-old woman died while her husband was seriously injured when they were hit by a steel roller that broke from a ship about to leave the port in Manila yesterday.

Nelia Acedera, a resident of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, died on the spot. She was hit on the head by the roller bar.

Her husband, Francisco, 56, a port stevedore, is being treated at the Mary Johnston Hospital for a leg injury.

Police said Capt. Dominador Hostilloza of the MV San Sebastian and his crew would be placed under investigation to determine their liability.

PO2 Jaime Gonzales Jr. of the Manila Police District homicide section, said “in spite of the freak accident, the aforementioned vessel captain continued their voyage, disregarding the incident.”

Police report said the incident happened at 1 a.m. yesterday at the compound of Pier 6, North Harbor, Port Area, Manila while the couple was sleeping in the area.

The report said the ship arrived from Palawan to unload its cargo. But when it was about to leave, a steel roller of the vessel accidentally detached, hitting the sleeping couple.

Police said they plan to file charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and frustrated homicide against the captain of the vessel and his crew.

The Philippine Coast Guard said it would ask the owner of the ship, Negros Navigation, to explain the circumstances of the accident to determine its liability in the accident.  – With Evelyn Macairan