2 dead, 16 hurt after jeepney goes wayward along Commonwealth Avenue

Photo from the Quezon City Police District

MANILA, Philippines — Two individuals died, while 16 other passengers sustained injuries when a passenger jeepney went wayward and hit other vehicles along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday morning, according to police.

In a report, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) did not identify the victims but revealed that a 37-year-old driver, Chito Tabilog, was arrested due to reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, physical injury, and damage to properties.

Photo from the Quezon City Police District

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Police said Tabilog’s jeep collided with the rear left portion of a transport mini bus driven by Geraldine Opalla approaching Kasunduan Street along Commonweatlh Avenue around 6:30 a.m.

Seconds before disaster: This screengrab of a CCTV footage shows a wayward passenger jeepney careening along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Image shared publicly via PTV FB Page

“The [jeepney] then veered uncontrollably onto the road pavement, and its front portion crashed into the right side of the Toyota Vios, driven by Danilo Almacin, which was passing through the adjacent lane. As a result of the impact, all three vehicles sustained significant damage,” the report disclosed.

Following the collision, two male passengers were declared dead on arrival after they were rushed to a nearby hospital, while 16 other passengers sustained injuries and were brought to East Avenue Medical Center and Quezon City General Hospital.

Tabilog is now under police custody and will face appropriate charges before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.