Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon paid his respects on Sunday at the wake of eight victims who perished in a tragic crash along the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). The somber gathering took place at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Antipolo, Rizal, as the nation mourned the loss of 10 lives and the injury of many others.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophe. In a heartfelt social media post, the agency vowed to seek justice for the victims and provide support to their grieving families.
New information surfaced from the Tarlac City Police Station: the bus driver involved tested negative for illegal drugs. Yet, the tragedy has prompted urgent action from authorities.
Starting Monday, DOTr will launch stringent roadworthiness inspections on all 273 buses operated by Solid North Transit. Every driver will face mandatory drug testing—a direct response to this heartbreaking incident.
DOTr is also examining rules on how many hours a bus driver should be allowed to operate daily, aiming to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
The horrifying crash happened last Thursday at the Tarlac City Toll Plaza. Ten people lost their lives, among them four children. More than 37 others were wounded. Eight of those who died were en route to a youth camp in Pangasinan, adding a heartbreaking layer to the tragedy.
DOTr and the Philippine Coast Guard recently visited the wake of a couple killed in the accident, who tragically left behind a two-year-old child.
In the fallout, Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. has had its operations suspended for 30 days. The company has reached out to the victims’ families to offer support.
Meanwhile, local officials in Tarlac and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are assisting with hospital bills and funeral costs. The community rallies to provide some comfort amid the grief.