1 dead, 1 hurt in SLEx accident; 5-km traffic jam ensues

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Philippines – A truck helper was killed while the driver was wounded after a 20-foot-long trailer truck lost its brakes and fell on its side on the South Luzon Expressway, leaving  a five-kilometer long traffic jam on the north bound lane of the toll road.

Chito Silbol, SLEx traffic and security manager, said the accident along Mamplasan in Biñan City happened around 2 p.m. Monday.

He said the truck driver tried to avoid another vehicle but lost control of the brakes. The truck, he said, fell on its side leaving the truck helper dead and the driver wounded.

The names of the victims were not immediately available.

As of 4 p.m., Silbol said the truck was already moved to the side of the expressway but the accident had caused a five-kilometer long traffic.

Heavy rains, coupled with strong winds, were also reported in Los Baños and Calamba City in Laguna on Monday afternoon. SFM/AC