THE Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan collapsed while 10-wheel trucks were passing on Monday afternoon. (Cagayan PIO_)
DAGUPAN CITY – The Piggatan Bridge in Alcala town, Cagayan province collapsed on Monday afternoon, Oct. 6.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said that the bridge collapsed as several 10-wheel trailer trucks were passing.
It is impassable to all types of vehicles as a result.
Authorities are validating reports of injuries.
The route is impassable for all vehicles as of posting time.
The Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering Office advised motorists to take Junction Gattaran-Cumao-Capissayan-Santa Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog-Baggao- Santa Margarita Road (vice versa) as alternate route.
The DPWH said coordination with police and the LGU for traffic management is ongoing and warning signages were installed in the affected area.
The agency is conducting a thorough damage assessment of the bridge.
Preliminary findings revealed that three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, were on the bridge at the time, far exceeding its 18-ton capacity and caused the structure to collapse.
The DPWH said it shall provide a recommendation based on the results of the assessment.