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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 3 overloaded trucks caused collapse of Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan—DPWH

3 overloaded trucks caused collapse of Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan—DPWH

Published Oct 7, 2025 11:59 am  |  Updated Oct 7, 2025 03:12 pm

At A Glance

  • The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed after three overloaded trucks crossed it.
  • The DPWH said the vehicles exceeded the bridge's 18-ton load limit.
  • Seven individuals were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
  • DPWH engineers are assessing the extent of the damage and possible reconstruction.
The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed after three overloaded trucks crossed it on Monday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan PIO)
The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed after three overloaded trucks crossed it on Monday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan PIO)
The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, collapsed on Monday afternoon after three overloaded trucks, each weighing about 50 tons, crossed it at the same time, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the trucks exceeded the bridge’s 18-ton load capacity, which triggered the structural failure.
In a DZMM interview, Dizon said photos from the scene showed the vehicles were carrying heavy cargo far beyond the bridge’s limit.
Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Ruelie Rapsing confirmed that load limit signages were installed before the bridge but were ignored by the drivers, who crossed the structure simultaneously.
Dizon said DPWH engineers were still validating the details of the incident, and assessing the extent of the damage.
He added that the bridge, which has been in service for more than four decades, may require either retrofitting or total reconstruction.
“We are checking all the facts now,” he said, adding that rehabilitation could take years to complete depending on the results of the structural assessment.
He also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the DPWH and local government units (LGUs) in monitoring truck weights and bridge usage, explaining that traffic enforcement in such areas primarily falls under LGU jurisdiction.
“Hindi natin alam na merong napakalalaking truck na dumadaan sa tulay na ‘di kakayanin ‘yung bigat, lalo na kung sabay-sabay tumawid (We were unaware that such massive trucks were passing through the bridge, which could not bear their weight, especially when they crossed at the same time),” Dizon said.
At least seven people were injured in the incident and were immediately brought to nearby hospitals in Alcala and Gattaran for treatment.
Personnel from the Cagayan PDRRMO and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were deployed to manage traffic and assist in clearing operations in the area.
Authorities advised heavy vehicles to take the alternate route via Jct. Gattaran–Cumao–Capissayan–Sta. Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog–Baggao–Sta. Margarita Road.
Light vehicles, meanwhile, may pass through the Piggatan–Maraburab Barangay Road.

Related Tags

DPWH Cagayan Piggatan Bridge bridge collapse
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