1 dead, 2 hurt in smashup

MANILA, Philippines - A tricycle driver was killed while his two passengers were seriously hurt when a trailer truck hit his tricycle in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City Saturday.

Florencio Masula, 52, died at the President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center while undergoing treatment for head and body injuries.

Masula’s passengers Rudina Valenzuela, 40, and Delia Vargas, 53, were still confined as of yesterday at the same hospital, also for head and body injuries.

Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Gabriel said Masula’s tricycle (PT-4658) was crossing Dagat-Dagatan Avenue from Tanigue street when a speeding 18-wheeler truck (TXM-763) driven by Johnny Delgado, 25, en route to Navotas City, hit the victims’ vehicle at around 8 a.m. Masula’s tricycle was a total wreck, Gabriel said.

The wayward truck also rammed a taxi driven by Patric James Mejorada, whose cab was also hit by an oncoming van, driven by Reynaldo Sandolan. Mejorada and Sandolan sustained minor injuries.

Police arrested Delgado and charged him with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, serious physical injury and damage to property.