Three individuals were killed, while around 10 others were injured in a six-vehicle collision along Fortune Avenue in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City on Wednesday evening, April 23.
The Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (Marikina DRRMO) confirmed the fatalities, including one jeepney driver. The identitied of the victims have been withheld.
The Marikina City Police Station said that the vehicles involved in the incident included a trailer truck, two jeepneys, two cars, and an SUV.
Based on the initial investigation, the vehicles involved were traveling eastbound on Fortune Avenue around 11 p.m., with the trailer truck on the lead on an upward slope.
While going uphill, the truck driver said his brakes failed, causing the truck to slide backward. It continued to slide until the trailer and its container flipped over, crushing a jeepney, a green car, and a Hyundai.
The sudden backward motion also triggered a chain-reaction collision involving another jeepney and an SUV.
Authorities said the incident caused fatalities, multiple injuries, and severe damage to the vehicles involved.
The Marikina Rescue 161 Ambulance brought all the victims to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) for immediate medical attention.
Police said the truck driver was arrested and temporarily detained at the Marikina City Police Station Male Custodial Facility while pertinent documents were being prepared for inquest proceedings.
Meanwhile, as of 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, the clearing operation was still ongoing, and the area remained closed to motorists. However, the Marikina DRRMO said they will open half of the lane to help ease traffic.