Photos courtesy of Julius Holiday Yere Facebook post.
TARLAC CITY, Philippines — A devastating multi-vehicle collision occurred on the northbound lane of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) near Barangay Bantog, Tarlac City, shortly after noon today, resulting in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.
Incident details
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reported that the accident transpired around 12:18 p.m., approximately 43 kilometers from the PRC Tarlac chapter. The crash involved a container truck, a passenger bus, and three SUVs. Preliminary investigations suggest that the container truck lost control, colliding with the other vehicles. The force of the impact caused significant damage, trapping several individuals inside their vehicles.
Casualties and emergency response
Emergency responders from the PRC and local authorities promptly arrived at the scene to assist in rescue operations. Despite their efforts, eight individuals were pronounced dead at the Tarlac Provincial Hospital. An additional 28 people sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to the same facility for medical treatment. Rescue teams worked diligently to extricate victims who were pinned inside the wreckage.
Ongoing investigation
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Factors such as vehicle speed, mechanical failure, and driver error are being considered. The identities of the deceased and injured have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
Impact on traffic
The collision caused significant traffic congestion along the SCTEX northbound lane, with vehicles backed up for several kilometers. Traffic management personnel were deployed to the area to facilitate the flow of vehicles and assist motorists in navigating alternative routes.
Safety measures and public advisory
In light of this tragic incident, the PRC and local authorities are urging motorists to exercise caution while driving, especially on expressways. They emphasize the importance of adhering to speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, and ensuring that vehicles are in good working condition before traveling.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.