11 hurt in jeepney smashup along 'killer highway'

MANILA, Philippines –  Eleven persons were injured when a runaway passenger jeepney rear-ended another during the morning rush hour along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday.

Commonwealth Avenue has earned a reputation for being a “killer highway” due to the number of fatal vehicular accidents that occur along its 12.4-kilometer stretch.

According to a report, Jorey Cammaddu, 31, was speeding along Commonwealth Avenue when his brakes failed and his jeepney (TWM-135) hit another jeepney (TXA-101), driven by Rudy Blanco, 32, at around 8:30 a.m. Both vehicles came from Fairview and were going toward Elliptical Road.

Traffic Sector 5 commander Senior Inspector Maximo Sabio identified the injured passengers as Danilo Garcia, 55; Mary Ann Brimon, 22; Marvin Ramos, 18; Gemma Montecalbo, 41; Danilo Danielis, 25; Teresita Danielis, 63; Adelaida Ligon, 52; Liezel Serrana, 27; Maria Cleofas Castillo, 32; and Rona Mae Espino, 26. Blanco was also injured in the collision.

Cammaddu is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and damage to property.

The injured victims told investigators they will file charges against Cammaddu, who has been detained by police.