10 hurt in 12-vehicle smashup in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines — Ten persons were injured during a vehicular accident involving 12 vehicles – eight cars and four motorcycles – in Mandaluyong City yesterday morning.

Results of the initial investigation showed that a Land Cruiser (NIX 307), occupied by Roldan Jose Mari Elizagaque and Varga Dominador, was traversing Sheridan street in Greenfield District when the accident occurred at around 8:32 a.m.

The Land Cruiser was headed toward One San Miguel Avenue in Pasig when it hit two motorcycles, according to Eastern Police District director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta.

Instead of stopping, the Land Cruiser’s driver sped through the intersection of Shaw Boulevard and San Miguel Avenue, where it hit another motorcycle and a gray Toyota Innova (UOP-295), causing its tires to explode, and a street light along the center island.

When the Land Cruiser’s driver tried to reverse, it hit another motorcycle and continued onto the southbound lane of San Miguel Avenue, where it also collided with several other vehicles.

Police investigators said those injured, whose names were not immediately known, were brought to Rizal Medical Center and Mandaluyong Medical Center for treatment.

Elizagaque and Dominador were brought to the Mandaluyong Medical Center for physical examination. They were later brought to the Land Transportation Office headquarters for an alcohol test before being taken to the Mandaluyong police station.

Asueta said the mishap is still under investigation. Probers have yet to establish if it was Elizagaque or Dominador driving the Land Cruiser during the incident.

All the vehicles involved in the smashup were impounded and the area was cordoned off to allow authorities to clean up the broken glass and spilled fuel.

Investigators have yet to determine if the accident was the result of human error or a mechanical malfunction. The Land Cruiser’s driver faces charges of destruction of public property and reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries.