Specialists claim that a van struck several cars at a burdens gate on one of the busiest routes in northeastern Philippines, killing ten people and injuring more than 30 others.
The bus driver, who has been detained, claimed he had fallen asleep at the wheel, according to authorities, adding that four children were among the deceased.
Workers frequently ferry between Manila and nearby provinces on the nearly 100km ( 62mi ) Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. People were traveling for labor day when the incident occurred on Thursday.
Good North Bus, a major bus operator in the area and the owner of the vehicle involved in the collision, was ordered by the Department of Transportation to be suspended.
According to police, the bus driver could face a charge of “reckless imprudence that led to many homicides.” The circuit of the bus has also been taken into custody.
The Philippine Red Cross stated in a Twitter post that the injury even involved three sports utility vehicles and one box truck.
The organization announced in a different article on Wednesday that it was providing foods and other help to hospital patients who were hurt by the collision.
Van fatalities are not unusual in the Philippines.
Vehicle driver drug use has also been controversial in recent days, though it’s not clear if it was a factor in Thursday’s crash.
Some people transportation firms, including buses, jeepneys, and mopeds, were suspended in April after 84 of its vehicles tested positive for prohibited substances.
Following a recent injury, local media reported that Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon will meet with members from nearly 30 bus firms on Friday.
” I will actually get out. I’ll get open and honest with them. What is going on, why are you all involved in injuries, and why have all of your vehicles tested positive for drugs, he said.
” I will be strong with our van businesses because they will be sad if they don’t get their work together, if they don’t form up,” he said.
17 vehicle passengers perished in 2023 when the bus’s brake failed and it plunged into a valley along a winding street known as the “killer curve” in the Philippines.