PNR train hits AUV after barrier did not work

An AUV was damaged after a Philippine National Railways train hit it accidentally in Manila on Sunday night.

CCTV footage from the barangay showed the red SUV about to cross the railroad in Sta. Mesa even if the other vehicles were stopped, according to a report on Unang Balita by Darlene Cay on Monday.

The AUV went ahead and did not notice the approaching PNR train.

The vehicle's front part was hit. The AUV got dragged by the train then hit the train barrier.

PANOORIN: Mitsubishi Adventure, nakaladkad ng tren ng PNR sa Sta. Mesa, Maynila | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/IldT9NsQeZ

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 23, 2018

The driver of the AUV, identified as Efren del Rosario, said there was no barrier and the train did not blow its horn.

PANOORIN: Barrier na umano'y hindi bumababa, nawasak matapos tamaan ng nakaladkad na AUV | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/YHPW0KHnVM

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) September 23, 2018

Del Rosario was slightly injured.

PNR spokesperson Jo Geronimo said they will investigate the incident.

However, she said it is impossible that the train did not blow its horn, adding that it is standard operating procedure to do so when the train is about to reach a railroad crossing. 

Geronimo added that they even get complaints that the PNR trains' horns are too loud. 

The PNR admitted however, that the barrier in that area was not working at the time of the accident.

However, the train had other warning signals such as a buzzer, flasher, and strobe light.

Del Rosario's employer is mulling filing charges against PNR.

The company said it is ready to face charges.

Normal operations continued after the train was taken off the track. —KG, GMA News