Naga boy run over by train

NAGA CITY, Philippines — An eight-year-old boy was killed on the spot when he was run over by a train near his house here Tuesday morning, the police said.

Police Officer 2 Alexander Lapid of Naga City Police Office said Mark Angelo Besmonte was crossing the railroad track in front of his house at around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday when he was hit by a Philippine National Railways train headed for Ligao City in Albay.

The accident left the boy’s body cut in two at the torso, Lapid said.

Paul de Quiros, PNR spokesman in Manila, said in a phone interview on Tuesday afternoon that PNR has no liability in the incident because the railroad track is PNR property.

“Also, train drivers give warning to passersby so there is no reason not to be careful,” he said.

De Quiros issued the statement after Lapid said that the drivers of the train–Cesar Cariño and Ian Beriña–sped away after hitting the boy.

“A manhunt will immediately be launched against the two train drivers once they fail to turn themselves in to authorities in Albay,” Lapid said earlier, adding that the drivers could face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide or “hit and run.”

The victim’s body was turned over to Naga City Health Office for autopsy and proper disposition.

Originally posted at 04:29 pm | Tuesday, June 25, 2013