Helper pinned to death between van, truck on Skyway

A driver's assistant died after he was pinned between a stalled van and a speeding truck along the Skyway Stage 3, Cedric Castillo reported on “24 Oras” on Friday.

A video of the incident showed a traffic enforcer helping victim Jeffrey Lambojon and the driver of the white utility van they were operating stalled along the northbound lane of the Sta. Mesa, Manila portion of the Skyway Stage 3 at around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Lambojon was seen standing behind the vehicle to push it when a truck suddenly rammed the van and hit the victim. He was rushed to hospital where he passed away.

According to witness Junie Libre, they were attempting to tow the stalled van using the the traffic enforcer's service vehicle when the incident occurred.

Libre also said they put an early warning device to warn other vehicles.

“Sinabihan po niya 'yung driver namin na dahan-dahan lang ha. Sakaling aandar na 'yung L3 mo huwag bibiglain ang preno para hindi rin daw siya matumba,” said Libre.

(The enforcer told our driver to be careful.)

“Parang wala pong busina po. Kasi ang narinig na lang po namin 'yung preno na sobrang lakas,” he added.

(We did not hear any horns. We only heard the sound of the breaks because the impact was strong.)

Libre said he was hit by the van’s side mirror, but Lambojon was injured.

“Nakita ko po marami na po siyang sugat. Lumabas na po yung dugo niya sa tainga at sa ilong. Pero nadala pa naman po 'yun sa ospital,” he said.

(We saw that he had injuries. There was blood coming out of his nose and ears. We brought him to the hospital.)

“Kinakausap po namin pero hindi na po siya nagsasalita. Parang na-oo lang po nang oo. Sabi namin, ‘Laban lang’,” he added.

(We told him to hang on, but he was no longer talking. He just kept saying, "Yes.")

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Unit National Capital Region (RHPU-NCR) said they are investigating the incident, including the truck's speed.

“Sabi niya, accordingly, galing sya ng curve. 'Pag bungad nya nandon nakaparada yung dalawang sasakyan. Hindi nya talaga napansin kaya direct hit yung pagkakatama nya,” said RHPU-NCR chief Police Colonel Joel Casupanan.

(He said he came from a curve, and did not see the van.)

The truck driver, identified as Noel Abilay, had undergone inquest proceedings and may face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide with multiple physical injuries and damage to property.

The Skyway management has yet to issue a statement on the incident, but Casupanan reminded motorists to drive safely and follow the speed limit.

“Sa mga busy street, hanggat maaari huwag munang basta basta bababa. Tingnan natin yung incoming traffic bago bumaba kung di maiwasan na nasiraan,” he said.

(Do not carelessly get out of your vehicles on busy streets. Look at the incoming traffic should your vehicle stall.)

Meanwhile, Lambojon's family asked the truck company to help with the expenses for the burial and transporting the victim's remains to the province. — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News