5 Pinoys killed in Qatar car crash

MANILA, Philippines - Five Filipinos, including a year-old child, were killed in a vehicular accident in Doha, Qatar on Monday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz identified the dead as Marilou Cal, Joyce Lozada Gelli, Bencris Rivera, his wife Joycelyn Rivera and their child Arclian Zirc.

A nurse identified as Susette Rivera-Baclor of Misamis Occidental survived the accident and is now recuperating in a hospital in Qatar, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha said.

Quoting a report from the Philippine embassy in Doha, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said the Riveras were based in Qatar, while Cal, Gelli and Baclor were Saudi Arabia-based nurses visiting Qatar for the Eid’l Adha holiday.

The accident occurred near the Hamad International Airport on the Corniche-Wakra Highway, he added.

The Qatari newspaper Gulf Times said the five Filipinos burned to death when their car caught fire after being hit by another vehicle near the Hamad International Airport.

All bodies were charred beyond recognition and a forensic examination would be required, the report added. – Pia Lee-Brago, Mayen Jaymalin