At least 12 dead, dozens injured in Labour Day Philippines SCTEX toll plaza crash involving multiple vehicles

At least 12 people, including six children, died while more than 20 others were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) on Thursday.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said the collision occurred at around 12:18 pm at the SCTEX Toll Plaza northbound lane.

According to Police Lt. Col. Romel Santos, chief of the Tarlac Provincial Police Office, five vehicles were involved in the crash: an MPV, a closed van truck, an SUV, a van, and a bus.

Initial reports indicate that the collision occurred when a speeding passenger bus rear-ended a van that was already in line at the toll gate. The impact pushed the van into a compact SUV, which then crashed into a tractor head in front.

Santos said the bus driver admitted he had dozed off while driving. He is now in police custody.

The driver of the van is in critical condition. The victims were taken to Tarlac Provincial Hospital.

Police are continuing their investigation and are coordinating with the victims' families and the bus company. The driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and property damage.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue a preventive suspension against Solid North Bus, the operator of the vehicle involved.