PNR train crashes into SUV in Laguna

A Bicol-bound Philippine National Railways inspection train on Wednesday collided with and damaged a sport-utility vehicle that was stalled in the middle of a railroad crossing in Laguna. PNR transportation department manager Lito Nierva said no one was hurt in the accident, that occurred at 8:24 a.m. near the Pacita area in San Pedro, Laguna. "Tumirik siya o na-stuck sa riles [at] nahagip ang unahan. Hindi grabe ang... nabundol, wala namang injury," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. "Napakalakas ng busina ng tren, nagbagal kami, hindi naalintana ang crossing sign," Nierva added. Nierva reassured PNR passengers that the incident will not affect other rail trips for the day. But he said the female driver of the CR-V-type SUV and her female passenger appeared to be "in shock." Nierva said the train was heading for Legaspi City to inspect repair work on the tracks going to Bicol to determine if rail service could be resumed. Trips to Bicol had been suspended since last October after a train was derailed in Quezon province. — DVM, GMA News