4 injured in Pangasinan bridge collapse

PANGASINAN, Philippines – Four individuals were injured when the Carlos Romulo Bridge in Barangay Wawa, Bayambang town in Pangasinan collapsed mid-afternoon of Thursday, October 20.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) said two trucks were on the bridge linking the Pangasinan town to Camiling, Tarlac, when the bridge structure buckled.

CCTV footage recovered by authorities revealed that the dump truck and elf truck flipped during the bridge collapse.

The MDRRMO said four people were rushed to the hospital with head injuries. The Bayambang Rural Health Unit said all the rescued passengers were safe.

A landmark because of its bright red color, the bridge traverses the Agno River, which separates Barangay Wawa from Barangay San Vicente. 

Investigation into the cause of the bridge’s collapse is ongoing.

The town’s official website said officials were conferring with the Department of Public Works and Highways and other agencies to find alternate routes for buses, trucks, and other private vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan provincial disaster body issued a gale warning, warning against taking to sea.

Quoting the DOST-PAGASA, the province said late afternoon to evening waves would reach 3.4 to 5 meters in height, while wind strength would be between 52 to 69 kilometers per hour. – Rappler.com