16 passengers injured after jeepney hit a tree in Rizal

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen passengers, including four minors, were injured after a jeepney hit a roadside tree along Angono, Rizal, on Tuesday, according to police.

In a report on Wednesday, Rizal Provincial Police Office (PPO) said 29-year-old jeepney driver Melvic Rivera lost control of his vehicle.

As a result, the jeepney hit a tree in front of a convenience store in Manila East Road, Barangay San Roque at around 8 p.m.

Police said the accident stemmed from a first incident involving minor collision between Rivera’s jeepney and another vehicle.

After the collision, Rivera chased the other vehicle with an unnamed driver.

It was during the chase that he lost control of his jeepney.

The ages of the young passengers range from eight to 15, while the oldest is 51.

Following the crash, all passengers were rushed to Rizal Provincial Hospital Angono Annex and Margarito General Hospital Binangonan, Rizal, for medical treatment.

Police said Rivera was arrested after the second accident.

He will face a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries.

The vehicle he used will be impounded in Angono.