4 kids bound for church camp among 10 dead in SCTEx crash
MABALACAT CITY—Four children aged just 4 to 8 who were on their way to a church youth camp were among those who died in Thursday’s multi-vehicle crash along the northbound exit of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).
The children, two boys and two girls, were part of an Adventist Church camp in Sison town, Pangasinan, and were riding in the Nissan Urvan that was caught in a deadly chain collision, crushed after being sandwiched between a speeding Solid North Transit bus and a trailer truck.
Only the driver, Jerry Tuazon, survived the crash. The children were traveling with four adult women, all of whom also perished. The group had set out from Antipolo City, filled with anticipation for the spiritual retreat that lay ahead.
Their van was reduced to twisted wreckage in an instant, according to emergency responders.
Marvin Guiang, Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer, confirmed the children’s destination and identities in an interview late Thursday.
Driver charged
Two more fatalities—residents of Plaridel, Bulacan—were riding in a Kia Sonet that was also struck in the crash, bringing the death toll to 10. At least 30 others were injured.
On Friday, formal charges were filed against the bus driver, Teodoro Merjan, who reportedly fell asleep at the wheel and failed to notice traffic slowing near the toll plaza.
Tarlac police filed cases of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and multiple damage to property against Merjan.
According to provincial police director Col. Miguel Guzman, Merjan was brought to the Tarlac City prosecutor’s office for inquest proceedings.
Police said the bus slammed into the Nissan van, which then crashed into the Kia Sonet. Both were pinned between the bus and a trailer truck carrying a shipping container. The force of the impact pushed the truck forward, hitting the rear of a Toyota Veloz. No injuries were reported from the truck or Veloz.
Of the 30 injured, 27 have already been discharged from the Tarlac Provincial Hospital, Guiang said Friday. Three remain under observation, including Tuazon, the only van survivor.
The Philippine Red Cross, which responded to the scene, reported the crash occurred at 12:18 p.m. on Thursday. Volunteers provided aid and food to victims at the hospital.
