1 dead, 6 hurt as train hits jeepney

MANILA, Philippines - A man died while six others were hurt when a train hit a passenger jeepney in Manila yesterday afternoon.

Jeepney passenger Reynaldo Mapagal, 56, a cigarette vendor, was declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Sampaloc.

Jeepney driver Ronald Valdez, 40, and passengers Jenalyn Hinuo, 21; Maricel Domingo, 34; Abegail Saldefar Cruz, 26; Emely Sugpatan, and a 17-year-old sustained head injuries, according to Police Officer 3 Aaron Cortez.

Valdez – who was reportedly drunk – ignored the traffic signals and drove across the railroad tracks along G. Tuazon street in Sampaloc at around 4:30 p.m.

The train, which came from Tutuban, hit the jeepney (plate number PHR-125) and dragged it about 50 meters from the site of the collision.

Other reports state that Valdez had hit a tricycle and was speeding away when the accident occurred.