MANILA, Philippines - A 10-year-old boy died and 10 other children were hurt when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) hit them as they were watching a game at the height of a fiesta in Pasig City Tuesday.
Renz Allen Alejandrino was declared dead on arrival at the Rizal Medical Center.
The driver of the SUV, Raul Gailo Lapuz, sustained head and arm injuries and is confined, under guard, at the Immaculate Conception Hospital, city police chief Senior Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr. said.
He ordered Lapuz charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property.
Chief Inspector Roberto Garcia, Pasig police traffic chief, said the accident happened at the height of the fiesta of Barangay San Miguel and residents occupied the streets as they watched games.
Lapuz, an epileptic, was driving his Mitsubishi Montero (CTA-14) along Dr. Pilar street when his blood pressure shot up at around 2:30 p.m., Garcia said.
Lapuz was unable to control his SUV, which continued to move until it hit the people watching the games, including Alejandrino.
The SUV came to a stop after hitting a parked Nissan Sentra (THZ-176).
The residents rushed Lapuz and the injured children – Salvador Sison, 6; Mark Alejandrino; Renee Anne Bagol, 5; Ruby Anne Bagol, 17; John Dave Baris, 15; Reden Catlogo, 15; Archie Manlapaz, 15; Raymond Tekiko, 12; Alvin Carlos, 13; and Alicel Antonio, 8 – to the nearest hospitals.
Hidalgo said some of the victims were sent home after being treated.