SUV overturns at Fuente Circle after driver allegedly falls asleep

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A sports utility vehicle (SUV) overturned at Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City on Sunday morning, August 2, after its driver allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel.

Initial investigation by the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) of the Cebu City Police Office indicated that the 21-year-old driver allegedly dozed off while negotiating the roadway following a long drive from the Negros region, causing the vehicle to crash and overturn.

The incident happened at around 7:55 a.m. along Osmeña Boulevard in Barangay Capitol Site.

Overturned after striking center island

Based on CCTV footage, the dark gray SUV was traveling along Fuente Osmeña Circle.

As the vehicle negotiated the curve to Osmeña Boulevard, it allegedly lost control and struck the center island, causing it to overturn.

The SUV rolled onto its roof and came to rest upside down in the middle of the multi-lane roadway, directly on a pedestrian crossing.

The vehicle sustained visible damage to its roof and body panels.

The overturned SUV caused nearby motorists, including motorcycles, public utility vehicles, and other private vehicles, to immediately slow down and stop to avoid colliding with the wrecked vehicle.

Pedestrians and bystanders rushed to the scene to check on the driver and offer assistance while traffic gradually resumed as vehicles carefully maneuvered around the overturned SUV.

Personnel from the Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) later responded to manage the scene and direct traffic away from the crash site to prevent further congestion and secondary accidents.

Driver turned over to TEU

According to the CCTO, the 21-year-old driver sustained only minor injuries during the crash.

Authorities said the driver declined to be taken to a hospital and was instead placed under the custody of the TEU for further investigation.

No pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles were reported injured, and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

The damaged SUV was later removed from the roadway and brought to the CCTO impounding area, allowing traffic along Osmeña Boulevard to return to normal.

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