MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on has ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the operations of Solid North Bus following a Labor Day crash that left at least 12 people dead — including six children — and injured over 20 others along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
The crash occurred at around 12:18 p.m. at the northbound lane of the SCTEX Toll Plaza in Tarlac City.
The Philippine Red Cross described the aftermath as “carnage,” with several passengers pinned inside mangled vehicles as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
According to the police, five vehicles were involved in the pile-up: a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), a closed van truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), a van, and the ill-fated bus operated by Solid North.
Initial reports indicated that the bus, reportedly speeding, plowed into a van that had stopped at the toll booth, triggering a chain reaction that crushed three more vehicles ahead.
Investigators said the bus driver admitted he fell asleep at the wheel. He is now in police custody and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, injuries, and property damage.
At least one of the drivers — that of the van — remains in critical condition at Tarlac Provincial Hospital, where most of the victims were rushed.
Dizon said the swift suspension was necessary not just for accountability but to prevent further risks to public safety.
“This tragedy was avoidable. There must be consequences for this kind of negligence,” he said in a statement. “The LTFRB must act with urgency.”
In a brief statement, Solid North said it was cooperating with authorities and has launched its own internal investigation. The company has not yet issued a public apology to the victims’ families.
Police investigators are coordinating with the families of the deceased and injured to provide assistance, as the full extent of the tragedy continues to unfold.