Three individuals lost their lives and two others sustained injuries after a closed van struck them in Taytay, Rizal. The driver was allegedly asleep at the wheel.
The accident occurred on Monday along C6 Road in Barangay Santa Ana, where a closed van veered off the road and collided with pedestrians.
CCTV footage captured the vehicle speeding before it crashed into the roadside. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as people rushed to help.
According to police reports, five people were hit and dragged by the vehicle, with three succumbing to their injuries.
When our ambulance arrived, we found two men lying beside C6. Under the van were two other men. They were lifeless and bloodied.
The victims were reportedly near a junk shop when the incident occurred. One individual managed to escape the oncoming van after noticing it speeding.
I heard the crash and ran out. I knew my nephew was sitting here. When I looked, he was already dragged and trapped under the van.
Initial investigations revealed that the closed van, traveling from Quezon City, was en route to deliver goods when the driver fell asleep.
Upon reaching the scene, the driver claimed he had dozed off, leading to the loss of control and the subsequent crash.
The driver, a 41-year-old male, has been arrested and is currently detained at the Taytay Police custodial facility. He faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and property damage.
Road safety advocates are calling for stricter regulations regarding driver fatigue, as this incident underscores the dangers of drowsy driving.