Child killed, 6 injured as AUV loses brakes in Antipolo
A four-year-old girl was killed in Antipolo City, Rizal on Sunday, June 7, after being struck by an Asian Utility Vehicle (AUV) that reportedly suffered brake failure while she and her family were buying school supplies ahead of the opening of classes.
Authorities respond to a road crash that kills a 4-year-old girl and injures six other individuals in Antipolo City. (Photo from Rizal PPO)
According to the Antipolo Component City Police Station (Antipolo CCPS), the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Don Vicente Avenue in Peñafrancia, Barangay Cupang, Antipolo.
Police said the AUV, driven by a 39-year-old woman, was trailing a tricycle and a motorcycle when it suddenly lost its brakes on a downhill stretch. The vehicle accelerated uncontrollably, hitting the tricycle from behind and pushing it into the motorcycle ahead.
The AUV then continued forward, sideswiping and striking pedestrians walking along the sidewalk. The driver eventually steered the vehicle into a concrete post to stop it and prevent further collisions.
Responding ambulance personnel rushed the injured victims -- aged 18, 20, 33, 51, 56, and 58 -- to nearby hospitals. The four-year-old girl, however, was declared dead on arrival at Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center.
Relatives later shared on Facebook that the child had gone with her mother and grandmother to buy school supplies in preparation for the opening of classes the following day. “Umalis ka sa bahay ng masigla, walang sakit at sobrang excited para bumili ng school supplies, tapos naka kabaong ka ng uuwi sa amin (You left home happy and excited to buy school supplies, but you returned to us in a coffin),” the post read.
Authorities said the case remains under investigation, including the possibility of an amicable settlement between the parties involved.
“This case is currently under further investigation by PCP-1, Antipolo Component City Police Station, for proper disposition, determination of liability, and appropriate legal action, including possible amicable settlement between the concerned parties,” they said.