2 killed as train hits van in CSur

LEGAZPI CITY -- A teacher and a 12-year-old boy died while 15 other passengers of a public utility van were injured on Thursday (Dec. 19) morning when their vehicle was hit by a Philippine National Railway (PNR) commuter train at a railroad crossing in Barangay Camambugan, Libmanan town in Camarines Sur, police said.

Killed were public school teacher, Glenda Rabago, and grade six elementary pupil, Jaime Victor, both from Sipocot town, police spokesperson, Staff Sgt. Emy Rose Organis Libman, said.

In a phone interview, Organis said the van bound for Naga City and driven by Danilo Diokno was crossing a railroad at 11:50 AM when it was rammed by a commuter train bound for Sipocot town.

She said the responding emergency team of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office rushed the injured passengers to the Libmanan District Hospital and at a hospital in Naga City.

Initial investigation showed that the van was bound for Naga City and to avoid traffic, it took a short cut using an alternative road in Barangay Camambugan. (PNA)