1 dead, 13 hurt in Caloocan, QC smashups

MANILA, Philippines - A man died and at least 13 others were hurt in two vehicular accidents in Caloocan City and Quezon City since Thursday night.

Rolando Manimtim was killed when a Toyota Tamaraw FX driven by Roel Lagoros along Zapote Road in Camarin, Caloocan skidded and hit an oncoming tricycle, a passenger jeepney behind the tricycle and a Toyota Revo parked along the curb at around 10 p.m.

It took rescuers three hours to get Manimtim out of Lagoros’ wrecked vehicle. He was declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Jose Rodriguez Hospital due to head injuries.

A relative of Manimtim said the victim and his companions were on their way home after having some drinks.

Lagoros was reported to be in critical condition. Investigators said Lagoros drove against the flow of traffic and tried to overtake another car.

Charlene Yunto, 30; Henelyn Yunto, 11; Edwin Apostol, 33; Vangie Guerrero, 28; Gina Baggayan, 33; and George Dejayco, 48, and several other passengers of the tricycle and jeepney were brought to different hospitals.

Meanwhile, seven persons were hurt after the jeepney they were riding was hit by a bus along Commonwealth Avenue yesterday.

A report from the Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 5 named those injured as Angel Mae Lirag, 21; Marie Grace Bascara de Leon, 28; Rynan Dios Aban Francisco, 29; Algen Sorio, 21; Analyn Dios Aban, 42; Mary Jan Avestruz, 17; and Rolando Velasco, 45, the driver of the jeepney.

Both vehicles were on Commonwealth Avenue's northbound lane when the Corimba bus (TYW-381) driven by Junbeth Baron, 36, bumped the jeep at past 7 a.m., Police Officer 3 Jonathan Jimenez said.

Because of the impact, the jeepney spun before rolling over.

The injured persons were brought to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

Baron drove away but was cornered by traffic enforcers at the corner of Luzon Avenue. He claimed he was not evading arrest, but was driving to Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 5’s office to report the incident.