1 dead, 9 hurt in carny ride mishap

MANILA, Philippines - A man was killed and nine others, including seven minors, were injured in a freak accident at an unlicensed carnival in Valenzuela City Wednesday night.

Neil Rafols, 41, died on the spot when he fell out of a coach of a “caterpillar” ride onto the platform and hit his head, according to Senior Inspector Arthur Quinones, Valenzuela City police investigation chief. The caterpillar ride is a slower, smaller version of the roller coaster.

At least four other riders – Emelita Abella, 25; Rhian Villacruses, 2; Ryza Villacruses, 4; and Erwin Rosario, 17 – were injured when their coach fell from the elevated track.

Abella was still confined yesterday at the Dr. Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center because of a broken neck and fractured left leg, while her niece, Ryza, suffered a broken right thigh.

Five spectators – Jerry Gutierrez, 22; Ronel Larona, 17; Dino Caremales, 13; Ruben Pagal Jr., 14; and Rimberto Gili, 16 – were hurt when the coach Abella and the other victims were riding fell on them. They were taken to the Valenzuela City Medical Center.

Valenzuela City business permit and licensing office chief Richie Padayao said carnival owner Arnel Cudia, who escaped after the incident, will face multiple charges including operating a carnival without securing a permit from the city government. The carnival was shut down yesterday.

Police arrested Cudia’s two employees, both 17 years old, and the carnival caretaker, Delia Vantera, 52.

Police were to file yesterday charges against Cudia and his workers before the Valenzuela City prosecutor’s office.