Dump truck driver killed, 2 others hurt in Quezon City mishap

MANILA, Philippines - A dump truck driver was killed and two of his four companions were injured when their vehicle slammed against the C-5 Libis tunnel’s wall in Quezon City yesterday morning.

Police identified the driver as Bartolome Pacayra, 27; and his injured companions as Conrado Sunga and “Rico.”

According to Alyson Ibabao, one of the truck helpers of WestCal Sales, they came from Novaliches and were on their way to Sucat, Parañaque to pick up some recycled paper.

Ibabao said they were negotiating the southbound lane of the C-5 tunnel when the truck hit a pothole. Pacayra lost control of the truck, which crossed the center island before hitting the tunnel wall on the northbound lane.

Pacayra’s head was crushed between the truck and the wall, police said.

Responding policemen and emergency aides used hydraulic equipment to retrieve Pacayra’s body and rescue the two other victims.

Investigators theorized that Pacayra was speeding when the truck encountered the pothole.