QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Four people were killed and 30 others injured in a road accident on the Aurora Boulevard flyover at Katipunan Avenue during rush hour on Thursday, authorities reported.

The crash occurred as vehicles were heading downhill, according to Dexter Cardenas, head of the Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department. A 10-wheeler truck driven by Richard Mangupag lost control when its brakes failed, colliding with a bus and several cars. These vehicles subsequently sideswiped 15 motorcycles. All the fatalities were motorcycle riders, including a couple.

Driver Fled Scene but Later Arrested

Mangupag fled the scene in a tricycle but was apprehended hours later during a follow-up operation on CP Garcia Avenue at 1:30 a.m., according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

Mangupag, a truck driver for five years, expressed remorse: “Noong pababa na biglang nawalan ng preno. Sa lahat nang nadisgrasya humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran po. Hindi ko po kagustuhan ang nangyari.”

Eyewitness Accounts

Motorcycle rider James Larry recounted the moment of chaos:

“Tamang andar lang ‘yung mga sasakyan, nagulat na lang ako biglang ganon. Biglang may sumabog kasunod may sumasadsad na parang bakal. Hihinto sana ako, binangga na rin ako,” Larry said.

One of the four truck helpers said they assisted victims after the accident: “Tinulungan na lang namin ‘yung ibang nasagasaan. Tapos ‘yung drayber namin nataranta rin, umalis.”

Casualties and Traffic Impact

Among the fatalities were three men and one woman, said PCapt. Napoleon Cabigon, commander of QCPD Traffic Sector 3.

It took approximately six hours to clear the vehicles involved in the accident, allowing the northbound lane of the Aurora Boulevard flyover to reopen to motorists.

Authorities’ Reminder

As the holiday season approaches, PCapt. Cabigon reminded motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.

“Kailangan condition ang battery, brake, tsaka ‘yung oil, makina. Iwasan po natin mag-iinom ngayong Pasko. Kamay sa manibela, mata sa kalsada,” Cabigon said.

📹 Jeomar Dalisay