Residents and emergency responders rescue a 71-year-old driver after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) he was driving plunged into a creek along G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City on Saturday night, July 4. Authorities said the driver later tested positive for alcohol. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Danao)
A 71-year-old man was injured after the sports utility vehicle (SUV) he was driving plunged into an open creek along G. Araneta Avenue in Barangay Manresa, Quezon City, on Saturday night, July 4, with authorities later saying he tested positive for alcohol.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the incident occurred at around 7 p.m. near the Del Monte Avenue intersection, where the driver was attempting to make a U-turn when the SUV mounted the road edge, plunged into the unprotected creek, and overturned.
The MMDA also reminded motorists that driving under the influence is prohibited by law because it endangers both the driver and the public.
Residents and responding rescuers worked together to pull the driver from the vehicle before he was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
Barangay Public Safety Officer (BPSO) Michael Matienzo of Barangay Masambong said they immediately responded after receiving a request for assistance and helped carry the injured driver out of the creek.
Matienzo said the driver told barangay personnel that he did not realize the SUV had already climbed onto the low road edge, causing it to plunge into the creek.
Personnel from the MMDA, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded to the scene, while a tow truck recovered the SUV and traffic personnel managed the flow of vehicles in the area.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.