1 dead, 5 hurt as train hits jeepney in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A woman died while five others were injured when a jeepney driver drove past a railroad crossing barrier, causing the approaching train to hit the vehicle, in Manila Tuesday night.

The woman, clad in a teacher’s uniform and believed to be between 50 and 60 years old, died before reaching the Sta. Ana Hospital.

Police said the woman has yet to be identified because bystanders, who acted as if they were helping the injured, stole her belongings.

Overseas worker Carilla Gildret, 30; and cashier Glecy Yai, 41, are still under observation at the Philippine General Hospital.

Aircon technician Romeo Gragasin, 57; and students Paul Vincent Aquilino, 18, and Elizabeth Queen Magat, 19, were sent home after being treated for minor injuries at the Sta. Ana Hospital, said Senior Police Officer 2 Mario Lising.

The driver, Marlon Verdida, sped up as the railroad crossing barrier lowered at the intersection of Pedro Gil street and Quirino Avenue at around 7 p.m., Lising said.

Verdida plies the Sta. Ana-Padre Faura route.

The train still hit the jeepney’s tail, causing the vehicle to rear-end a delivery van in front of it.  

Police said Verdida, who was unscathed, will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple serious physical injuries.