Freak mishap roasts American, 2 Pinoys

OLONGAPO CITY -- An American national and his two Filipino companions roasted alive on Saturday when the Zambales-bound van they were riding in caught fire. Another passenger, also an American, survived but suffered third-degree burns.

Senior Insp. Domingo, Olongapo City Police Office Station 1 chief, identified the fatalities as Joseph Brian, 41, a U.S. citizen and resident of Bgy. San Juan, Palauig, Zambales; Dra. Teresita Mercaida, 51, of Bgy. Ibaba, Malabon City; and Jessie Gines, 31, of Bgy. Lipay, Palauig, Zambales.

The lone survivor, who forced his way out of the burning vehicle’s window, was identified as Muckhejee Printin, 67.

Initial investigation showed that the four were on their way to Palauig, Zambales, from the airport when their vehicle exploded in the middle of the national highway in Bgy. Kalaklan, Olongapo City, at 1 p.m.

A witness, Lee Untalan, said he was working near the scene of the tragedy when he heard an explosion and saw the van fast-catching fire with thick black smoke coming out from the van.

He said the burning van even hit a railing, which had prevented the passengers from getting out of the door of the vehicle.

“I tried to help the driver get out of the van but his seat belt was too tight and the fire, with thick black smoke, was spreading fast,” Untalan said.

Authorities said they were investigating the cause of the fire and the explosion. They said they found bottles of whisky and beer at the back of the vehicle during a follow-up investigation conducted by the Olongapo PNP’s Scene of the Crime Office. By: Patrick Roxas - Manila Times