1 dead, 10 hurt as SUV turns over

MANILA, Philippines - A teenager died while 10 others were hurt after the sport utility vehicle (SUV) they were riding turned over due to a blown tire before dawn yesterday.

Gerald Balberan, 18, of Mandaluyong City, died on the spot following the accident at past 3 a.m. at the corner of Araneta Avenue and Retiro Street in Barangay Talayan, Quezon City. Police Officer 3 Ben Tilao said Balberan died after his head hit a glass window of the gray Mitsubishi Montero Sport (NSO-553).

Ten other persons aboard the Montero, including its driver and owner Xerxes Sapalo, 36, of Barangay Sta. Teresita, were injured.

Tilao said the passengers were brought to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

Sapalo, a businessman, said he was bringing Balberan and the others to Caloocan City, where they would participate in a computer game tournament.

He said he lost control along the way and he steered left to avoid a post. However, the vehicle hit a gutter and it turned on its right side. It was later found that the right rear tire of the SUV blew out.