Van hits 'texting' pedestrian in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - A woman who was typing a message on her cell phone while crossing San Francisco del Monte Avenue in Quezon City was hit by a speeding van before dawn yesterday, but survived the encounter with only a gash on her head.

Police Officer 3 Pablito Pagtalunan said Lolita Lopez, 46, could have died when a Mitsubishi aluminum van (TEU-790) driven by Dionisio Maraguas, 53, sideswiped her.

Maraguas, who suffered minor abrasions, told police he tried to avoid Lopez and the van slammed into an electric post. The vehicle was a total wreck.

A rescue team from the Loyola Medical Center treated Lopez before taking her to the hospital.

Maraguas faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries.