SUV driver killed in fiery crash on Skyway

The driver of an SUV was killed after crashing into the center island, overturning, and slamming into the railing on the northbound section of the Skyway.

According to a 24 Oras report by Jun Veneracion, the vehicle burst into flames while the driver remained trapped inside.

Emergency responders had to use heavy equipment to remove the wreckage from the roadway. By the time authorities retrieved the driver, they were already lifeless.

“Makikita natin yung larawan o position noong nakahiga. Doon po sa passenger seat sa likod. Beyond recognition itong taong ito, even yung gender hindi natin matukoy,” said Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang,Spokesperson, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). 

(We can see the position of the body lying in the passenger seat at the back. The victim is beyond recognition, and we cannot even determine the gender.)

Based on the PNP-HPG’s investigation, the driver was speeding before colliding with the center island.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Authorities are considering two possible causes of the accident: human error and mechanical failure.

The HPG has requested CCTV footage from Skyway management to aid in the investigation. Meanwhile, GMA Integrated News is also trying to get a statement from the management.

“Based sa impormasyong nakuha sa security ng Skyway at isang witness na bystander, may kabilisan ang takbo ng driver na ito, hayaan niyo magpatuloy ang aming imbestigasyon para malaman ang bilis ng takbo nitong sasakyan po na ito,” Malang said. 

(Based on information gathered from Skyway security and a witness, the driver was speeding. We will continue our investigation to determine the exact speed of the vehicle.) — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News