The driver of a passenger jeepney that overturned in a fatal accident along Commonwealth Avenue was arrested and will face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, physical injury and damage to property.
Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Police Brig. Gen. Melecio Buslig Jr., identified the driver as Chito Tabilog and narrated that the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Sunday on Commonwealth Avenue northbound lane, near the corner of Kasunduan Street in Barangay Commonwealth.
He said that all vehicles involved were traveling northbound from Tandang Sora Avenue toward Fairview when the right side of the jeepney driven by Tabilog collided with the rear left of a Mitsubishi-Fuso Canter driven by Geraldine Opalla.
Tabilog’s jeepney then veered uncontrollably, crashing head-on into the right side of a Toyota Vios driven by Danilo Almacin. All three vehicles sustained significant damage as a result of the impact.
Two male passengers were declared dead after being rushed to a nearby hospital while 16 other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to East Avenue Medical Center and Quezon City General Hospital for medical treatment.
Buslig said Tabilog is currently in police custody and will be charged before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
“We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and those injured in this incident. We once again remind all motorists to be responsible on the road, obey traffic laws, and check their brakes, tires, lights, and other important parts of their vehicles before traveling to ensure everyone’s safety,” Buslig said.
Earlier reports from Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) head Dexter Cardenas said that rescuers transported at least seven injured victims to nearby hospitals. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred on the eastbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue heading toward Fairview.
The incident caused significant traffic congestion after the Sandiganbayan area as two lanes were blocked by the vehicles involved.