Tanker driver in freak accident that killed motorcycle rider now in police custody

Screengrab from video

MANILA, Philippines — The driver of the fuel tanker involved in the freak accident along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) that resulted in the death of a motorcycle rider is now under police custody.

This was confirmed by an officer from the Mandaluyong Police through a radio interview aired on Friday. “Yes po, nasa amin na po (he is with us),” the police officer said.

According to reports including those from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the motorcycle rider was moving along the southbound lane of the Edsa-Shaw Boulevard tunnel when the accident happened.

It appears that a white sports utility vehicle (SUV) was behind the motorcycle rider, and both were moving along the Edsa Bus Carousel lane — which is supposed to be off-limits to private vehicles and public utility vehicles except buses plying the carousel route.

MMDA said the rider was possibly hit by the white SUV, and as a result was accidentally run over by the tanker which was occupying the lane next to the Edsa Bus Carousel lane.

Edsa-Shaw Boulevard’s tunnel has three lanes on each side, with the innermost lanes reserved for buses in the Bus Carousel program.  Reports said the rider was decapitated.

This has led the MMDA to remind motorists to stay out of the Edsa Bus Carousel lane, even if solid barriers or fences are not present to separate buses from private vehicles.

READ: Motorcycle rider dies in freak accident along Edsa

“We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said.