Multi-vehicle accident on SCTEx in Tarlac kills 10 on Labor Day

Multi-car accident occurs at noon along the SCTEx Exit Toll Plaza located in Barangay Bantog, Tarlac City, killing at least 12, on May 1, 2025. (Photos from the PHILIPPINE RED CROSS)

MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 died in a multi-vehicle collision at the northbound lane of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCTEX) at past noon on Labor Day (May 1), said Police Regional Office 3 (PRO Central Luzon).

Central Luzon police chief Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told INQUIRER.net that apart from the 10 people who were killed, 37 others were injured in the tragedy.

Earlier reports indicated 12 deaths, but PRO 3 updated the figure to 10.

According to an initial report from the Central Luzon Police Regional Office (PRO 3), the mishap occurred at around 12:30 noon at the Tarlac SCTEX Exit Toll Plaza in Tarlac City.

The PRC said the vehicles involved in the accident included three SUVs, a container truck, and a passenger bus.

Initial investigation showed that the collision occurred after a passenger bus accidentally hit an SUV, which was at full stop, along with other vehicles at the Lane 2 (northbound) of the SCTEX toll plaza.

READ: 3 dead, 10 hurt in 6-vehicle crash in Marikina

The strong impact resulted in a ripple effect, with the SUV also crashing into the other vehicles in front of it.

“Investigation is still going on,” PRO 3 said in its report.