2 dead, 16 hurt as truck rams jeepney

MANILA, Philippines — Two persons died and 16 others were injured when a wayward cargo truck rammed a passenger jeepney in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Lt. Ronquillo Maano, chief of the Quezon City Police District Traffic Enforcement Unit Sector 6, said the accident took place along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Tandang Sora at around 12:45 a.m.

Jeepney passengers Jay Rufino Pamplina and Mark Angelo Bernardo were pronounced dead in the hospital from massive head and body injuries.

According to a police report, the jeepney driven by Lewelyn Jaud was maneuvering at a U-turn slot in front of a gasoline station when it was hit by the truck, which came from Congressional Avenue .

Jaud and 14 of his passengers were injured in the collision. They were brought by rescuers to the Quezon City General Hospital and East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

The truck driver, Herjun Panero, 31, was also hurt.

Maano said they were investigating the accident to determine what caused Panero to lose control of the truck.

Police said charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, multiple physical injuries and damage to property would be filed against Panero.