THREE persons were burned to death while 23 others were injured after a bus and a truck carrying acetylene tanks collided along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Concepcion, Tarlac on Tuesday evening, April 24.

Superintendent Augusto Pasamonte, Concepcion police chief, said the truck exploded and the bus caught fire shortly after the collision at around 11:30 p.m. of Tuesday.

Pasamonte said a Five Star bus bound for Dagupan rammed the back portion of a six-wheeler truck carrying acetylene tanks. The truck was then about to take the second lane from the emergency bay.

The drivers lost control of the vehicles, which hit the roadside railings and fell into a creek on the other side. The truck then exploded.

Pasamonte said three bus passengers were burned beyond recognition.

"Sa Concepcion District Hospital, meron pong 10 naisugod at 11 doon sa Sta. Rita at may 2 po naisugod sa Tarlac Provincial Hospital," said Pasamonte.

Among the injured individuals were bus driver Rolando Untalan, truck driver Emannuel Retardo, and truck helper Victor Ayen.

The injured passengers were identified as Tammy Tagana, 24; Arnolfo Quinto, 59; Alfie Fernandez, 29; Carolyn Fernandez, 24; Rose Ann Agbanlog, 26; Criselda Joy Pascua, 25; Richard Sabiron, 29; Beth Carbonel, 25; Felisa Bagon, 24; Veronico Policarpio, 48; Dionisio Tibonsay, 33; Shaian Amor Sotto, 34; Sharah Jane Esteban, 41; Mylene Martinez, 41; Jerome Ian Lee Balagtas, 19; Manny Agravante, 36, Jhomar Samson, 24; Meriam Reyes, 25; a 17-year-old pregnant teenager; and a 12-year-old boy.

Pasamonte said Untalan was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, and damage to property. (SunStar Philippines)