(UPDATE) Seven-vehicle road mishap in SCTEX kills 4
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/28/2009 5:56 PM
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MANILA, Philippines - An accident on Monday afternoon reportedly caused by smoke from burning cogon grass along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Mabalacat in Pampanga province killed 4 persons Monday afternoon, an initial report said.
The road mishap in Kilometer 64 of SCTEX involved 7 vehicles including a delivery truck.
Superintendent Emmanuel Arrozal said witnesses to the incident reported that there was almost zero visibility at the portion of the expressway where the accident occurred due to smoke coming from cogon grass burning at the side of the road.
“Based doon sa sabi nila, itong nasusunog na cogon, nag-zero visibility itong daan kaya nagbanggaan sila,” said Arrozal.
Arrozal said 3 of the fatalities were onboard 1 of the vehicles involved in the smash-up
The fatalities were taken to the Mabalacat District Hospital where they were declared dead on arrival. They were identified as Sylvia Eustaquio, Zenaida Doctor and 6-year-old Margaret Sylen Geronimo.
Meanwhile, Cristina Geronimo, who was brought to St. Raphael Medical Foundation Hospital, later succumbed to wounds suffered from the incident.
Teresita Padiernos, a passenger of a Honda Civic involved in the road mishap, said she is lucky to have suffered only bruises. She said there was so much smoke on the portion of the road. She said she was shocked when they collided with another vehicle in the midst of the smoke.
“Kasi noong nagdadaan kami makapal na makapal ang usok dito umaapoy ang gilid niyan... Ayun, bigla na lang hindi naman namin alam na may nagbabanggaan na sa harap eh,” said Padiernos.
Fernan Gonzales, driver of the delivery truck, brought to a hospital a relative who also suffered injuries.
“Napansin na na namin, malayo pa lang ako. Nakita ko ang makapal na usok. Paglapit ko nag-brake ako pero nabangga ko isang sasakyan. Nakita ko may nabangga na iba pang sasakyan,” narrated Gonzales.
Inspector Hilarion Pasion of Highway Patrol Group 3 in Camp Olivas in San Fernando said that among those injured in the accident were: Christian Tuazon, 27 of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija and driver of a Toyota Van Grandia; Janice Tabacungan 29, and Jerryldean Acierto 20, both passengers of a Toyota Avanza; Melody Geronimo 10; Zoe Nathan Tagabuhin, 5; and Shena Rica Tagabuhin 32, and who is still confined at St. Raphael Medical Foundation.
Authorities have yet to say the total number of those injured in the incident.
Lighted cigarettes?
Meanwhile, an SCTEX official said the smash-up was unfortunate.
Benigno Valles. Tollways Management Corporation corporate communications chief, said they are investigating the cause of the grass fire beside the road.
Balles also reminded motorists not to throw their lighted cigarettes on the side of the toll way which, he said, could possibly be the cause of the grass fire.
“Kaya po panawagan naming, kung mapapansin ninyo pagpasok ng SCTEX, sinasabi namin huwag magtatapon ng upos. Dahil baka iyon din po ang pagmulan ng sunog,” said Valles. From reports of ABS-CBN Pampanga and Cecille Lardizabal, ABS-CBN News
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