23 cheat death in smashup on Commonwealth Avenue

MANILA, Philippines - At least 23 people cheated death in separate vehicular accidents along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City yesterday morning.            

Traffic investigator PO3 Nicanor Joven said 16 passengers were injured when a Kelly bus with license plate UVN-399 collided with a Saint Rose bus.

The victims were taken to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

Joven said the accident took place at 10 a.m. along the southbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue in front of the Sandiganbayan.

Hilario Guadez Jr., driver of the haphazard Kelly bus, told investigators that he lost control of the vehicle after its brakes malfunctioned.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries will be filed against Guadez, police said.

After an hour, another bus figured in a collision with six vehicles, leaving seven injured also along Commonwealth Avenue.

PO2 Allan Florendo identified the victims as Jemma Busog, 23; Joseph Manalo, 38; Richard Ortega, 38, and his wife Myla, 36; Cesar Acla, 39; Grace Picoro, 40, and Joseph Picoro, 33.

The smashup involved a bus of Original Transport, two tricycles, a Mitsubishi Montero, a pick-up truck, a public utility jeep and a tow truck.

Bus driver Paquito Sevilla told police that he lost control of the wheels due to slippery road.