A TRAGIC accident occurred Sunday afternoon, April 19, when a modern jeepney, en route to Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, crashed into a traffic post, resulting in one fatality and injuries to 21 passengers.
Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old John Angelo Paseos, who reportedly admitted to falling asleep at the wheel after an extended driving shift of over seven hours. The incident took place around 2:17 p.m. at the intersection of 15th Avenue and P. Tuazon Boulevard in Barangay San Roque.
According to Police Lt. Col. Geoff Lim, chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Traffic Enforcement Unit, Paseos lost control of the vehicle due to falling asleep, leading to the collision that caused severe damage to the jeepney’s front end.
Twenty-two passengers were rushed to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, where one succumbed to his injuries. Two other passengers were reported in critical condition, and six of the injured were minors. The deceased has been identified as a 30-year-old male passenger seated at the front right of the jeepney, who sustained severe leg injuries.
Initial investigations, including CCTV footage, suggest the jeepney may have been swerving even earlier in its journey. While the driver tested negative for alcohol, the results of his drug test are pending. The jeepney was carrying approximately 20 to 25 passengers, which is within its authorized capacity.
The driver is currently in police custody, and the QCPD is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to submit findings for further review. The driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple physical injuries and damage to property. Lt. Col. Lim took the opportunity to remind motorists of their responsibility to remain at the scene of accidents and assist injured passengers, urging them to contact emergency services like 911 or Quezon City’s hotline 122.
