Manila: A motorcycle rider in Makati City was flung clear off his bike and plunged to the ground from a height of about ten metres and survived, reports have said.
Clark Macasaet, 29, had a close shave but could possibly have a leg amputated due to the injuries he suffered in the fall, radio station dzBB reported.
According to a Twitter traffic alert from Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Macasaet fell from the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA)-Buendia flyover early on Friday.
The dzBB report said the rider was travelling on the south-bound lane of the EDSA-Buendia flyover when he lost control of his motorcycle and was flung to the other lane of the elevated roadway right into oncoming traffic.
The MMDA’s Road Emergency Group said Macasaet was on his way to the office at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City when the front wheel of his motorcycle struck the pavement as he was travelling over the flyover. This caused his motorcycle to lose control.
Fortunately for Macasaet, he had his helmet and other bike-riding protective gear on, thus causing him minimal damage.
Transport regulations prescribe that motorcycle riders always wear government-approved helmets when travelling.
Authorities said that had Macasaet not had his helmet and other safety gear on, his injuries could have been fatal.
Two years ago, a similar incident took place also in EDSA, but in the Tramo district.
A motorcycle rider went out of control and fell on the north-bound track of the elevated railway of the Metro Trail Transport 3. Just like Macasaet, he also survived the potentially fatal accident.
Accidents in flyovers are a frequent occurrence in Metro Manila mainly because of the way the roadways are constructed.
Flyovers in the Philippines do not have shoulders.
