Iranian arrested after SUV hits 2 cabs; 4 people hurt

AN IRANIAN national who was driving without a license was taken into police custody after his sport utility vehicle hit two taxi cabs, resulting in serious injuries to two people in Manila before dawn yesterday, according to a traffic report.

SPO3 Marco Saunar of the Manila Traffic Bureau said one of the taxis involved in the accident burst into flames after it was hit by the Hyundai Tucson (TSO 221) being driven by Shavani Ehsan, 24, a student.

Saunar said that Ehsan was also injured. He sustained a bruise on the face while his companion, a Filipino-Iranian, suffered minor cuts and bruises.

The driver of one of the taxi cabs, Romeo Alonzo, 50, and his passenger, Erwin Itu- ralde, 40, were reported to be in critical condition at Philippine General Hospital.

Investigation showed that Ehsan was driving his SUV on Agoncillo Street when he lost control of the vehicle which smashed into the taxi cab being driven by Alonzo which was cruising on Remedios Street. The SUV then hit an empty taxi cab which was parked on the street.

Due to the impact, the second cab burst into flames.

According to the police, Ehsan was obviously speeding before the collision based on the damage wrought by the accident on the vehicles involved.

As a result, he faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property with multiple serious physical injuries and driving without a license.