(UPDATED) A tragic first-time bus ride ended in trauma for Romualdo Moral, a resident of Olongapo City, after the bus he was riding figured in a deadly crash Thursday near the SCTEX Exit toll plaza in Tarlac City.

Moral was among the passengers aboard a Solid North bus, operated by Dagupan Bus Co., that plowed into four vehicles, killing at least 10 people.

He said he was traveling with his family to attend his uncle’s wake in Pangasinan when the bus suddenly slammed into another vehicle in front.

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“Una, dalawang impact ang nangyari. Biglang paatras kami tapos 'yun na diretso kami tumba,” Moral said. He sustained minor injuries to his leg.

Robert Viernes, another passenger seated near the back of the bus, also described the moments before the crash.

“Prior kasi ng insidente, OK naman 'yung takbo namin and then bago dumating ng toll gate ng exit ng SCTEX, narinig namin is nagpreno 'yung bus and then 'yun sumalpok na, then lahat kaming nasa bus is bumalibag na talaga. Tapos may mga upuan na natanggal dahil sa lakas ng impact," he said.

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Viernes, who was seated near a window, said he hit his shoulder and knees on the handlebar of the seat in front of him.

At least 10 individuals were confirmed dead, including 4 minors, in the multiple-vehicle collision. A total of 37 people were injured in the incident and was brought to Tarlac Provincial Hospital.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a preventive suspension order against Dagupan Bus Co. that was involved in the accident.

In response to the incident, the LTFRB imposed a 30-day preventive suspension on the bus company’s operations that affected 15 bus units.

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The LTFRB has directed Dagupan Bus Co. Inc. to comply with several requirements during the suspension period, including undergoing a road safety seminar for all drivers, conducting compulsory drug testing for drivers and conductors, ensuring all buses pass a roadworthiness inspection, submitting video documentation of these compliance measures, and providing proof that insurance payments have been duly received by the victims.

Additionally, the LTFRB has ordered the bus company to surrender all physical plates.

Concerned traffic enforcement agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have been instructed to apprehend and impound any suspended units found operating.

The driver is under police custody and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicides, multiple physical injuries, and multiple damage to property.