Machine operator of killer carnival ride nabbed

The man whom police have tagged as the machine operator of a carnival ride in Valenzuela City where a freak accident killed one man and injured nine was arrested Monday afternoon in Navotas City.

Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor, Valenzuela police chief, told the Inquirer that Nicolas Montalban Refuerzo, alias Machete, was picked up by authorities under a bridge in Barangay (village) North Bay Boulevard South around 1 p.m.

Refuerzo was pinpointed by employees as the one who manned the caterpillar ride in a mini-carnival in Barangay Karuhatan, where a passenger, Niel Rafols, was killed after the coach he was in broke loose and went off the track on November 9.

Nine others, including seven minors, were injured in the accident.

Valenzuela City government officials have ordered the mini-carnival’s closure, and its owner, Delia Montero, and Refuerzo are facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Two minors who were also working as helpers in the facility are now in the custody of the City Social Welfare Development Office.

Refuerzo, who lived in the carnival area prior to the accident, did not show any resistance when police caught up with him.

Mayor said his identity was confirmed by carnival employees.

Refuerzo appeared at inquest proceedings at the Valenzuela City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday and is now  detained at the city’s  police headquarters.