1 killed, 14 hurt in carnival accident

At least one person was killed while at least 14 people were reported hurt following a freak accident in a mini-carnival in Valenzuela City Wednesday night. Relatives of the victims are mulling charges against the carnival operator and village officials over the incident, radio dzBB's Paulo Santos reported Thursday. The report cited initial information identifying the fatality as Neil Rafol, 43. At least eight people, including bystanders and passengers, were hurt. Of the 14 injured, three were rushed to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, and the other 11 to the Valenzuela General Hospital.

An initial investigation showed the accident occurred at the mini-carnival at Karuhatan village in Valenzuela City, affecting the "Caterpillar" ride. Investigators are verifying information that one of the cars in the ride broke away due to a loose screw. The operator of the carnival ride, identified only as Arnel, fled and is now being tracked down. Local officials are also looking for the owner identified only as Arnel. On the other hand, the dzBB report said Karuhatan village chairman Nicomedes Caco admitted he gave the carnival operator 40 days to operate because of the coming holiday season. Because of the incident, the relatives of the victims are considering filing charges against Arnel and Bong, as well as Caco for allowing the operation of the carnival. — LBG, GMA News