Girl cut in half in Ermita road mishap

MANILA, Philippines - A three-year-old girl was cut in half and her grandfather’s leg was crushed when a mixer truck ran over them in Ermita, Manila yesterday morning.

Senior Police Officer 3 Sergio Macaraeg said Janeryl Lianda was riding a scooter (4682 PH) driven by her grandfather, Crisaldo Morales, 50.

Macaraeg said Morales and Levy Cano, who was driving a truck (RKG-434), were at the corner of San Marcelino street and United Nations Avenue, waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

As soon as the light changed, both vehicles started to move but the truck’s front wheels hit the scooter, causing both victims to fall to the pavement.

 Traffic enforcer Ernesto Ty said he signaled Cano to stop, but the truck continued to move, running over Lianda’s body and one of Morales’ legs. The girl died on the spot, while her grandfather was rushed to the Manila Medical Center. According to unconfirmed reports, Morales’ injured leg may be amputated.

Cano surrendered to authorities and is facing charges of homicide and serious physical injuries and damage to property through reckless imprudence, while the truck was impounded at the traffic bureau.

Macaraeg said motorcycle accidents have been a frequent occurrence in Manila streets, as heavy trucks and the two-wheeled vehicles occupy the same lane.

“We have observed that accidents frequently occur since drivers of heavy trucks are not aware that the smaller motorcycles move side by side with them due to poor visibility,” Macaraeg said.