1 dead after modern jeep hits post in QC; license of driver, suspended

A 30-year-old male passenger died after a modern jeepney rammed into a traffic light post on Sunday afternoon in Cubao, Quezon City, according to Quezon City Police District-Traffic Enforcement Unit chief Police Lt. Colonel Josef Lim. 

According to an update by GMA News’ Bea Pinlac on Monday, 21 other passengers were wounded in the incident. Of this figure, six were minors, with the youngest victim being a four-year-old boy. 

In a report in Balitanghali, the detained driver of the modern jeepney admitted that he dozed off while driving. The police said that he’s been driving for seven hours. 

“Nakatulog ako ng mga oras na po ‘yun. Hindi ko rin po akalain na mapipikit ako ng ganun katagal. Paggising ko po, ayun na po ‘yung nangyari sa akin,” he said. 

(I fell asleep at that time. I didn’t think I would close my eyes for that long. When I woke up, that was what happened to me.) 

“Hindi po ako antok, hindi rin po puyat. Parang nahipan lang 'yung mata ko, nakapikit po ako…Humihingi po ako ng pasensya, hindi ko naman kagustuhan 'yung nangyari,” he added. 

(I wasn’t feeling sleepy, nor was I lacking sleep. I just closed my eyes... I ask for forgiveness, what happened was not my intention.) 

The driver tested negative for alcohol, while the result of his drug test is yet to be released. 

He may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and homicide.

License suspended

The Land Transportation Office suspended the license of the driver while the investigation is ongoing. The vehicle, on the other hand, was under alarm.

The agency also issued a show-cause order to the driver and registered owner of the modern jeepney involved in the incident. They were directed to appear before the Office of Intelligence and Investigation Division on April 23 at 11 a.m. and submit a sworn comment or explanation.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/AOL, GMA News