A trailer truck driver has been charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property over the death of a 26-year-old motorcycle rider along Mel Lopez Boulevard in Tondo, Manila.
The victim, Neri Joy Matias, was on her way home from work Monday evening when the truck allegedly sideswiped her motorcycle, causing her to fall onto the road, according to the Manila Police District’s Vehicular Traffic Investigation Section.
She was then run over by the truck and died at the scene.
The case gained attention on social media after Matias’ family appealed for information, saying they had been unable to obtain CCTV footage that could help identify the vehicle involved.
Authorities located the driver two days later with the help of a motorcycle rider who witnessed the crash. He was subsequently presented to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Matias’ family.
The driver claimed he did not realize that he had struck and run over a person and continued driving because he was unaware of the collision.
Police, however, said CCTV footage showed the trailer truck speeding and running several traffic lights before the crash, raising doubts about the driver’s claim that he did not know an accident had occurred.
Investigators also found that the suspect had allegedly been involved in a previous fatal road accident.
The driver was not immediately arrested because the 36-hour reglementary period for a warrantless arrest had already lapsed. Authorities must now wait for a court-issued arrest warrant.
Police are still seeking statements from the driver, the trucking company, and the Land Transportation Office as the investigation continues.