MANILA, Philippines – A man died while six others were hurt after a passenger jeepney they were riding was struck by a Philippine National Railways (PNR) train in Sampaloc, Manila on Monday afternoon.
Reynaldo Macapagal, 56, a cigarette vendor, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Sampaloc where six other passengers were rushed for treatment.
Of the injured, two were reported in critical condition.
Paul de Quiros, PNR spokesperson, told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview that the jeepney tried to go past the rail crossing while a train was approaching to its direction along the corner of G. Tuazon and Algeciras streets.
De Quiros said he could not provide further details as of the moment but emphasized that the PNR has the right of way during the incident.
In a radio report, a Manila Police District (MPD) officer on the scene was quoted as saying that the jeepney was dragged for about 200-meters from where it was hit by the train.
There were reports that before the accident, the driver who reeked of alcohol was warned of an approaching train but he ignored it and drove onto the rail tracks while the bar was being lowered.
Initial report from the Sampaloc Police Station, just beside the railway where the accident happened, said that officers of the station heard the sound of the coming train followed by a loud thud and shouting of people.
The jeepney driver identified as Ronald Valdez and the four other female passengers were still being treated at the Ospital ng Sampaloc, as of Monday evening, for the head and body injuries they sustained during the accident.
The jeepney was plying the Quiapo-Balic-Balic route while the train was bound for Muntinlupa from Divisoria station.
Valdez, according to the police, will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injuries. With a report from Maricar B. Brizuela, Philippine Daily Inquirer