Train operator in LRT suicide incident faces charges
-A A +AFriday, August 31, 2012
MANILA -- The operator of the Light Rail Transit Line (LRT) 1 train that hit and killed a woman who jumped into the railway tracks is now facing criminal charges, authorities said.
In a phone interview, the Pasay Police Investigation Division confirmed that charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide have been filed against Anthony Gunay, 35, operator of the LRT train.
But police also said the Prosecutor's Office is yet to determine if the charges filed against Gunay will be pursued.
Lawyer Hernando Cabrera, LRT spokesperson, said they "will support and defend" Gunay.
"[I] hope anyone saying na kakasuhan nila ang driver [that they file charges against the driver] has proper and factual basis," Cabrera said in his Twitter account.
Cabrera said Gunay will not be allowed to operate a train temporarily but clarified that he is not suspended.
"He is not suspended sa work pero SOP na hindi muna siya pwede mag-operate ng train dahil sa trauma involved [He is not suspended from work but as a standard procedure, he is not allowed to operate a train due to psychological trauma involved," Cabrera said.
On Thursday, the train operated by Gunay killed Lucy Aroma, 52, when she jumped into the tracks of the LRT-1 Edsa station.
The woman died on the scene after apparently committing suicide at the said station around 5:50 a.m., Cabrera said.
"[Closed-circuit television camera footage] shows the woman jumped into the tracks after the platform guard walked by her," Cabrera said.
The woman was then taken out of the area hours after the incident, which affected LRT-1 trips on Thursday morning with trains operating only from Vito Cruz to Roosevelt, and back.
According to Cabrera, a total of 24 suicide incidents in the LRT have been recorded since 1984.
Of this figure, 10 incidents led to death.
Cabrera added that it was in 1998 that LRT-1 had the most suicide incidents with seven, five of which were fatal.
Nineteen female and five male have been involved in the said suicide incidents, Cabrera said. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)
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