1 dead, 13 hurt in Coastal Road mishap

MANILA, Philippines - A hitchhiker was killed while 13 others were hurt when a pickup overturned along Coastal Road in Las Piñas Wednesday night.

The lone fatality, who was declared dead on arrival at the Las Piñas General Hospital, remains unidentified as of yesterday, traffic investigator Senior Police Officer 1 Samson Layosa said.

The injured victims were brought to the same hospital.

Francisco Jorgio told The STAR he was driving a Mitsubishi L300 pickup through Coastal Road when a group of passengers, whose bus stalled after it collided with a van, chased his vehicle and proceeded to occupy the back of his pickup.

He said his pickup overturned minutes later, pitching the hitchhikers onto the highway.

Jorgio, who injured his shoulders, surrendered to the Las Piñas police and was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple physical injuries.