‘Kariton’ couple part ways in UP collision

A homeless man was killed while his female partner was injured after being hit by a vehicle on the main road leading to the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City Thursday night.

Ernesto Serbito, 57, and Ellen Fernandez, 50, were pushing a garbage collection cart that doubled as their makeshift shelter when they were hit by a Mitsubishi Adventure (XEX-141) on University Avenue, Barangay UP Campus, around 6:15 p.m.

Traffic investigator PO3 Renato Sunga said the driver Edgar Magbanua, 58, was taken into police custody.

Sunga noted that Serbito and Fernandez were going “counterflow” when the vehicle hit them near the San Vicente Bliss Area, which was dimly lit.

Magbanua later told police that it was already too late when he noticed the cart in front of him.

The two victims were taken to East Avenue Medical Center where Serbito was declared dead on arrival due to severe injuries. Fernandez remained confined at the hospital on Friday.

Sunga said Magbanua would be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injuries.—Julie M. Aurelio