Rider dies in Commonwealth road crash; suspect's license revoked for life
By Hannah Nicol
(File photo)
A 26-year-old motorcycle rider died while four others were injured after a UV Express van rammed into 14 motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Friday, Oct. 17.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the crash happened around 11 a.m. in front of the Commission on Human Rights in Barangay UP Campus, resulting in multiple injuries and extensive damage to the vehicles.
The driver was identified as Ruel Flores Dela Cerna, who was reportedly under the influence of illegal drugs at the time of the incident.
Initial investigation showed that Dela Cerna was traveling eastbound from Elliptical Road toward Fairview when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle.
The vehicle plowed through a group of motorcycle riders before making a U-turn at Tandang Sora Avenue, where it hit several more vehicles.
Four individuals sustained injuries of varying severity and were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Following the incident, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to impose a lifetime revocation of Dela Cerna’s driver’s license.
Lopez said the move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure accountability among reckless and abusive drivers.
“Sisiguraduhin nating hinding-hindi na makakapagmaneho itong UV Express driver na ito. Paulit-ulit ng sinasabi ng Pangulo na dapat ligtas ang ating mga kalsada at mga motorista mula sa mga ganitong iresponsable’t abusadong driver. Kami po sa DOTr ay nagpapa-abot ng aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa isa po sa mga biktimang pumanaw na (We will make sure that this UV Express driver will never drive again. The President has repeatedly emphasized that our roads must be safe for motorists and commuters. The DOTr extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life in this tragedy),” Lopez said.
The suspect was already detained at the QCPD and will face multiple charges.
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