NLEX smashup leaves 1 dead, 6 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A styrofoam box left in the middle of the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway in Barangay Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City caused a four-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon that left a teacher dead and six others injured, police said yesterday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Ranier Idio said the accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. when the driver of a Toyota passenger jeepney (TSS-553) swerved in order to avoid the box.

An Isuzu tanker (ZMC-143) collided with the jeepney, which slammed against the highway’s concrete divider. The impact threw the passengers out of the jeepeny.

Two other vehicles – an Isuzu Sportivo (ZCD-968) driven by Johnny Lee and a Mitsubishi L300 van driven by Eliseo Gemmanes – collided against each other when they tried to avoid the jeepney.

Idio identified the fatality as teacher Rolando Inay, 55, declared dead upon arrival at the Monte Falcon Hospital in Meycauyan, Bulacan.

Others who were hurt in the accident were identified as Aurora Nisperos, 54, teacher; Joseph Palit, 44, teacher; Albert Pangan, 29, student; Romulo Mediavillo, 51; Abanson Medina, 21, student; and Ruque de Leon 16, student.

Idio said the drivers of the vehicles were brought to the Valenzuela city police traffic enforcement unit for investigation.

Traffic investigators are preparing homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property charges against those involved in the accident.