CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela – Six persons were reportedly injured when a portion of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Barangay Casibarag Norte, Cabagan, Isabela collapsed on Thursday night, Feb. 27.
THE Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed on Thursday night, Feb. 27.
Among those injured were two children. They were taken to the hospital.
Four vehicles – a truck, two Sports Utility Vehicles, and a motorcycle – crossing the bridge at about 8 p.m. plunged to the river below.
The driver of the truck loaded with rocks and his assistant were nowhere to be found after the incident.
Police and emergency responders have secured the area. Traffic was rerouted to alternative roads to prevent congestion.
A Facebook post said construction of the P639-million bridge began in 2017. The bridge, an alternative to the Cabagan-Santa Maria Overflow Bridge which cannot be used when the Cagayan River overflows, has only been used for several months and yet to be inaugurated.
The bridge was supposed to open in 2019 but was delayed by several years allegedly due to design defects, the post added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region 2 will conduct an assessment on the bridge that connects the towns of Santa Maria and Cabagan. The agency will implement immediate measures to ensure the safety of the public.
Motorists were advised to take precautions. Authorities are investigating to determine why the bridge collapsed.