SUV mows down pedicabs, trikes; 1 dead, 7 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A pedicab driver was killed while seven others were injured when a wayward sport utility vehicle (SUV) crashed into pedicabs and tricycles parked along Karuhatan Road in Valenzuela City yesterday morning.

Ramon Medina, 55, died on the way to the Valenzuela General Hospital, Police Officer 2 Jay Ar Fajardo said.

Fajardo said that at around 8:30 a.m., Roberto Paborda, 75, a retired government employee, was on his way home to Hernandez street in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon in his blue Mitsubishi Montero (PSI-408) after attending an early morning Mass with his wife when his SUV’s brake malfunctioned along Karuhatan Road.

“Paborda lost control of the car after its brake failed and, to avoid hitting another vehicle in front of him, he maneuvered to the left – accidentally smashing into parked pedicabs and tricycles,” Fajardo said.

The Montero stopped after it hit an electric post, Fajardo said.

Valentine Mangabang, 41; Isabel Anda, 67; Florencio Capalad, 38; Lorito Medina, 37; Edgar Llana, 54; Edgar Quismundo, 30, and his wife Janis, 25, were treated for contusions at the Valenzuela General Hospital and discharged, Fajardo said.

Senior Police Officer 2 Michael Obsena apprehended Paborda and turned him over to the Valenzuela City police traffic unit.

Fajardo said Paborda could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple injuries.