5 hurt by wayward BMW

At least five students were seriously injured after being hit by a speeding BMW sedan the other night near a dormitory inside the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City.

Victims Precious Baldo, Meryl Antonio, Gwendolyn Puyat, Carla Ambrosio, and Gerry Hipol sustained cuts and broken bones. They are currently being treated at different hospitals.

As of press time, Baldo, Antonio, Puyat, and Ambrosio are still in critical condition while Hipol has been discharged. Sources said Baldo’s skull was fractured.

The suspects were identified as Richard Ong and his cousin Kenneth Soriano. It was still unclear who was driving the BMW (BPS-111). Both were allegedly drunk at the time.

Initial reports showed that the victims were seated on the sidewalk near the Kamia Residence Hall on Quirino street while waiting for a free concert at about 6:30 p.m.

Investigators said the car, which was running at high-speed, suddenly swung right as the driver lost control of the wheel. The vehicle crashed into the ramp and hit the students.

"The accident happened so fast that I don’t think any of the victims had time to react to it. None of them were able to avoid the car," PO3 Rogelio Esteves told The Star in an interview.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting to serious physical injuries are now being readied against Ong and Soriano.