Driver of wayward truck in fatal Marikina accident loses license
(Photo courtesy: John Itong Alob via LTO)
A driver whose wayward truck got involved in a fatal accident in Marikina City in April had his license revoked by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), it was revealed Friday, July 4.
LTO Chief, Asst. Sec. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the truck driver was also meted out the maximum penalty for reckless driving.
The police identified him as Gabriel Almeda, 54.
A speeding 40-foot container truck driven by Almeda overturned along Fortune Avenue in Marikina City on the evening of April 23, crushing three other vehicles along the road.
Three people died while 10 others were injured due to the accident.
Mendoza said the LTO rejected the alibi of the truck driver that there was a brake failure since a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle “did not support his claim.”
In a five-page decision, the LTO said that driving a truck requires extra caution at night and on the condition of the road, and “this appeared to have not been factored in by the truck driver that resulted in the accident.”
Mendoza pointed out that the death of three people and the extent of the damage are sufficient proof that the truck driver was guilty of reckless driving and thus, an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
In the same decision, the LTO placed the truck involved in the accident under alarm.