15 hurt as SUV crashes into Pasig restaurant

MANILA, Philippines - A sport utility vehicle driven by a Manila barangay chairwoman crashed into a restaurant at the Metrowalk Commercial Complex in Pasig City Friday night, leaving at least 15 persons injured.

According to Police Officer 2 Edwin Cruz, Marina Escauso was driving her blue Mitsubishi Montero Sport (TXI-567) near Metrowalk at about 11:45 p.m., heading to Meralco Avenue, when she suddenly swerved toward the right and crashed into the Oyster Boy restaurant.

Escauso said she avoided a man who suddenly ran from the Metrowalk driveway.

Cruz said that of those injured, four remain at the hospital. He added that Escauso was later rushed to the Medical City after she apparently suffered a heart attack.

Police are preparing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries against Escauso.