PNR train hits, kills housemaid

Newspapers cover the body of Doneza de Guzman who was killed when a train hit her near the Philippine National Railways’ Sta. Mesa station in Manila on Monday. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines—A 27-year-old house helper died after she was hit and dragged for several meters by a train of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) near its Sta. Mesa station in Manila on Monday morning.

Doneza de Guzman, a native of Marinduque, had just bought rice from a store when she crossed the railroad tracks even though the Alabang-bound train with body No. MSC 937 had sounded its horn to warn people to get out of its path, according to the initial police report. The PNR Rail Police said the victim suffered serious head injuries.

Rod Hernandez, the owner of the rice store, told the Inquirer that De Guzman left the rice she bought from him, saying she would return to get it as she needed to buy other items from the market on the other side of the rail tracks.

“She seemed distracted even when I was handing her the change,” Hernandez said.

The store owner added that he shouted a warning at the victim just a few seconds before she was hit by the train. He said that De Guzman covered her head with her hands before the train came and dragged her away.

According to Rogelio Jamito, chair of Barangay 626, Zone 63, De Guzman worked as a helper for Elvira Dimasacat, a resident of M. Araullo Street in Sta. Mesa. Dimasacat became emotional when she saw the victim’s newspaper-covered body by the side of the rail tracks.

Jamito told the Inquirer that train-related accidents were quite frequent in the area because some temporary shelters had been set up near the rail tracks.—With Nestor Corrales, INQUIRER.net

Originally posted: 11:24 am | Monday, March 10th, 2014