LTO suspends license of SUV driver behind Manila multi-vehicle smash-up

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) temporarily suspended the license of the SUV driver involved in a multi-vehicle smash-up in Manila on August 20, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Saturday.

The driver's license was suspended for 90 days, while the vehicle he was driving was placed under alarm, it added.

Five people were injured after the SUV plowed through six vehicles in Tondo, according to the DOTr.

The Manila Police District (MPD) earlier said a sport utility vehicle was traversing Rizal Avenue when its front portion hit the center island near the corner of Cavite Street.

The SUV’s momentum caused it to sideswipe the rear portion of a wagon in front of it. 

Near Blumentritt Road, the SUV hit a motorcycle, a jeepney, a pedestrian who was about to disembark from the jeepney and a taxi.

The rider and three passengers of the jeepney were ejected from their respective vehicles due to the impact and fell on the pavement, resulting in physical injuries.

The collision caused the jeepney to crash into a pedicab and a van.

The MPD said the SUV driver was Chinese.

The LTO also issued a show cause order to the SUV's registered owner, who may face charges of reckless driving, driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug, and improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

The registered owner was summoned to appear before the LTO's Office of Intelligence and Investigation Division on September 1 to explain the matter. —KG, GMA Integrated News