Several fatalities reported in multiple-vehicle collision on SCTEX

Philippine Red Cross rescuers respond to a multiple-vehicle collission at SCTEX on Thursday, May 1. Facebook/Philippine Red Cross 

(4th UPDATE) At least 10 people, including 4 minors, died in a multiple-vehicle collision at the SCTEX Toll Plaza on Thursday afternoon, May 1, according to initial reports. 

P/Lt. Col. Rommel Santos, chief of police of Tarlac City, said five vehicles were involved in the incident: an MPV, a closed van truck, an SUV, a van, and a bus.

Based on their initial investigation, the passenger bus at the rear was speeding and caused the crash.

 “'Yun pong apat na sasakyan is nakapila na po dun sa SCTEX sa toll plaza toll booth and then yung panglimang sasakyan ito po yung Solid North Transit bus, mabilis po 'yang takbo niyan, binangga po niya yung mga nakapila po na apat na sasakyan," Santos said.

 According to Santos, the bus driver reportedly told them that he had dozed off while driving.

 The victims were brought to Tarlac Provincial Hospital.

The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are currently reaching out to the victims' families and the bus company.

The bus driver is now under police custody.

The driver may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and multiple damage to property.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday also ordered the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue a prevention suspension against Solid North Bus, which has a unit involved in the incident.

 Bayan Patroller Paulo Corpuz was able to get a video of the accident's aftermath, showing multiple vehicles blocking the northbound lane.

 Corpuz was with his children heading to Manila when they spotted the incident.

The PRC Tarlac Chapter sent an ambulance to assist with the rescue.

 -- with reports from Grace Rutao, ABS-CBN News, Aletheia Macaraeg, Dabet Panelo, Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo