Child falls from moving AUV along Roxas Blvd. in Pasay

A child sustained injuries after falling from a moving Asian utility vehicle (AUV) along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City over the weekend.

According to Darlene Cay’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the viral video was caught on a dash cam of a vehicle behind the AUV past 9 p.m. on Saturday.

The child was crying as she quickly stood up and moved to the side of the road after the fall.

After the AUV stopped, a man and a woman immediately approached the child and took her.

According to a motorist who witnessed the incident, the child sustained injuries on her arm.

Although not captured on video, there was a claim the child opened the door of the AUV.

GMA Integrated News is reaching out to the child's parents.

According to safety expert Louie Domingo, the incident was dangerous not just to the child but also to other motorists since it occurred along a highway.

“Talagang napakaraming factors. ‘Yung tumigil ka lang doon, na wala ang early warning, medyo delikado na rin,” said Domingo, who is director of the Emergency Management Center.

(There are many factors. If you suddenly stopped without early warning, it’s dangerous.)

Domingo also questioned whether there was any child restraint system or car seat in the AUV, which is mandated for children until 12 years old under RA 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.

He added that the incident could have been avoided if a child lock had been in place.

“So, kung may double lock yun, secure mabuti yung lock. If ever sa ganong edad, pwede na rin turuan na huwag hawakan to, may lock yan dito. Diba na ino-orient sila kung paano yung safety nung sasakyan na huwag gagawin,” Domingo said.

(If there was a double lock, it would have been more secure. If a child is at the right age, parents should teach them not to open locked doors. Children should be taught safety measures when they’re in a vehicle.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News