Ambulance hit by train after slow trikes ‘trap’ it on track

trikes
The damaged ambulance. PDI photograph by Richard A Reyes

Five people were injured when an ambulance carrying a pregnant woman was hit by a train in Manila after being ‘trapped’ by trikes.

The injured, who were all aboard the ambulance, were taken to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

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The driver of the ambulance has been identified as Jaime Pagas, aged 41, who suffered a punctured lung in the smash. The other victims were Perla Vizcaya, Sally Marcelo and Eduardo Marcelo.

The pregnant woman, Marilou Vallas, 35, later gave birth at the hospital.

Police said the ambulance of Barangay 167 of Caloocan City was heading north and crossing the railroad on Blumentritt Street, Rizal Avenue at 3.45pm when it was struck by an Alabang-bound  train.

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Eyewitnesses told The Inquirer that trikes had slowed down the ambulance, which was sounding its siren, trapping it on the tracks when the crossing gate closed.

The strength of the collision was such that all five passengers were thrown from the vehicle.

The Manila Traffic Bureau is investigating the incident.

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