Four people, including the driver of an electric jeepney, were injured after the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and rammed into waiting passengers at the Robinsons South Terminal in Barangay 77 Fatima on Tuesday night, September 16.
Police identified the vehicle as a STAR8-V Electric Jeepney driven by alias “Lito,” 50, a resident of Barangay 62-A, Tacloban City. The injured commuters were identified as alias “Riza,” 33, a private employee; alias “Kaye,” 24, also a private employee, both from Palo, Leyte; and alias “Mae,” 22, unemployed, from Sta. Rita, Samar.
According to a report by Police Station 1 of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the accident happened around 7 p.m. as the electric jeepney was parked at the terminal while commuters queued for their ride. For still unknown reasons, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward, hitting the three commuters and injuring the driver himself.
Emergency responders from Delta Ambulance and Tacloban Chamber Ambulance provided first aid and rushed the victims to Ace Medical Hospital for treatment.
The driver reportedly told police investigators he accidentally stepped on the accelerator. CCTV footage from the terminal showed the victims being dragged into a concrete wall upon impact.
The electric jeepney remained at the scene after the incident and was rendered inoperable due to heavy damage.
(ROBERT DEJON)
