17 hurt after modern jeep hits post in QC

Seventeen people were injured after a modern jeepney rammed into a traffic light post on Sunday afternoon in Barangay Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.

According to Jonathan Andal’s report on "24 Oras Weekend," CCTV footage showed the strong impact as the jeepney collided with the post.

The front portion of the vehicle was heavily damaged, with the post appearing to have pierced near the driver’s seat.

Another CCTV clip showed the jeepney overtaking a traditional jeepney moments before the crash.

Local responders from the Quezon City government said one passenger seated beside the driver lost a leg due to the impact.

The injured passengers were rushed to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

The driver claimed he briefly closed his eyes before the crash and said he was driving slowly.

“Sobrang bagal ko lang talaga, sir. Napikit lang talaga ako. Tamang gapang lang kami. Puno po kami. Puno po kami,” the driver said.

(“I was really going very slow, sir. I just closed my eyes for a moment. We were just crawling along. We were full.”)

However, some passengers disputed his account.

“Kapit na kapit po ako tapos pagdating po dito, sumingit po siya rito sa gilid. Tapos bigla po kaming sumalpok. Napapikit na lang po. Pagtingin ko ‘yung mga pasahero nasa harap na,” a passenger said.

(“I was holding on tightly, then when we got here, he suddenly cut into the side. Then we suddenly crashed. I just closed my eyes. When I looked, the passengers were already thrown to the front.”)

Police said the driver will undergo alcohol and drug testing and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and multiple physical injuries.

Authorities will also check whether the jeepney was overloaded.

“Kapag medyo inaantok na sila, igilid na lang nila, magpahinga muna sila. Wag na nila pilitin. Kasi yung consequences talaga, maraming injury,” said Quezon City Police District Traffic Sector 3 chief Police Lt. Elias Tumaquip III.

(“If they’re feeling sleepy, they should pull over and rest. Don’t force it, because the consequences can mean many injuries.”)—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News