6 dead, 20 hurt as wayward truck hits 13 vehicles

CALAMBA, Laguna — Six people, including a Bureau of Customs employee, were killed and about 20 others were injured when a 10-wheeler truck went wayward after apparently being abandoned by its driver, hitting at least 13 vehicles here late Monday, police said.

The Customs employee, Florencio Leoporbo, died of severe burns when he was trapped inside his car that was gutted by fire after the truck smashed into it.

The other fatalities were identified as Jonnie Aranguste, a student; Rogine Alona and Joaquin Armin, all occupants of a tricycle driven by Sergio Marcelino who was also killed. The sixth fatality remained unidentified as of press time.

Investigation showed that the trailer truck, loaded with 2,000 bags of cement, was cruising eastward along Real street here when it sideswiped an FX van which, in turn, hit a passenger jeepney.

The truck continued traveling at moderate speed but struck an L-300 van and 10 other vehicles, including the tricycle driven by Marcelino. It also sideswiped a number of sidewalk stalls.

The truck, which appeared to have been abandoned by its driver and his helpers, only stopped in its tracks when it smashed into another 10-wheeler truck on the opposite lane. — Rene Alviar