4 killed in SCTEX smash-up
FOUR persons were killed in a four-vehicle collision on SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) near Sapang Balen, in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on Wednesday, June 1, 2023.
The victims were identified as Ma. Maureen Santos, 47, driver of Toyota Wigo, of Mapalacsiao City, Tarlac, Tarlac, and the vehicle’s passengers Normita Valencia, 49; Leslie Pangan, 46; and MJ Uriel Santos, 9.
Initial investigation revealed a Ford Ranger pickup, owned by a seeds processing company, driven by a male driver, 29, of Paniqui, Tarlac, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the highway’s steel guardrail on the opposite side.
The impact caused the Ford Ranger to sideswipe the incoming Faw truck owned by Chesvet Steel Manufacturing and driven by Jerry Valerio, 35, of San Pedro, Magalang, Pampanga.
The truck fell on its side, hitting a Victory Liner bus being driven by Eulalio Alcantara, 42, of Bgy. Pocalpocal, Alaminos City, Pangasinan.
The bus then collided with the Toyota vehicle killing the four victims on the spot.
The police said the driver of the pickup could have lost control due to a slippery road caused by heavy rains in the area.
Cases of imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries and damage to property are being readied against the Ford Ranger driver.
