1 dead, 6 hurt as train hits taxi in Pandacan

MANILA, Philippines - A 17-year-old orphan girl from the White Cross Children’s Homes was killed and six others – including four other orphans – were seriously injured when a southbound Philippine National Railways (PNR) train hit a taxi the victims were riding in Pandacan, Manila yesterday morning.

Gemma Reyes, 17, died at the Ospital ng Maynila. Her fellow wards – Ronalyn Lozano, 10; Rachel Lozano, 8; Regine Lozano, 16; Sheila May de la Cruz – as well as social worker Glory Jean Camillas, 35; and taxi driver Deogracias Fajardo were also treated at the same hospital.

Senior Police Officer 3 Sergio Macaraeg said the accident occurred at around 7:05 a.m. while the taxi was crossing the railroad tracks along Laura street near the corner of Dr. M. Carreon street in Pandacan.

The train, which was driven by a certain F. Ollero, hit the taxi and dragged it for several meters before stopping.

When police arrived at the crime scene, the train driver had already fled.