SCTEX’s multiple vehicle mishap kills 12

At least 12 people were killed while 20 others were injured in a multiple-vehicle collision Thursday afternoon at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza Exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

An initial report from the Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said the incident happened minutes after lunchtime on Wednesday.

Marvin Guiang, head of Tarlac PDRRMO, in a radio interview, said a bus, an 18-wheeler truck, a van and sports utility vehicle were involved in the fatal crash.

Of the 12 fatalities, six were minors, according to the report.

He said that the impact of the collision made the van a total wreck, resulting in the instant death of the victims.

“The impact of the collision was severe — our victims in the two vehicles that were sandwiched were totally crushed,” he said.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.

SCTEX is the country’s longest expressway, operated by Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation of the Manny Pangilinan Group of Companies.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the suspension of the operations of the Solid North bus company, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board saying it would also look at the roadworthiness of the bus line's units.