7 hurt in train collision

MANILA, Philippines - Seven persons were injured when a Philippine National Railways train collided with a car, which hit another vehicle, in Sta. Mesa, Manila yesterday morning.

Senior Police Officer 4 Sergio Macaraig identified one of the victims as Manila city hall employee Gualberto Domingo, 61, who was driving a Toyota Echo.

The occupants of a Mitsubishi L-300 van - Flordeliza Oraya, 18; Juvelyn Reynoso, 18; Jerol Botas, 18; Wister Fuesta, 24; May Jane Nespol, 27 – as well as the driver, Hilarion Pardo, 27, were also hurt.

All the victims were brought to the Ospital ng Maynila but Domingo, who suffered a fractured leg, was transferred to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Macaraig said.

Train driver Eufemio Acosta III, who was unhurt, faces charges. The train came from Alabang and was bound for Tayuman when the accident happened at around 8:10 a.m.

Macaraig said the two vehicles were on the railroad tracks, stuck in a traffic jam, when the train hit the Echo, which then slammed into the van. Both vehicles were dragged for several meters.

Macaraig said there was a crossing keeper who signals motorists crossing the railroad but Domingo and Pardo apparently did not see the keeper telling them to stop.