Vehicular collision downs power in parts of Antipolo City

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – An 18-wheeler truck carrying cement bags hit a commuter van and crashed into a power pole in Antipolo City, causing a power outage and heavy traffic in parts of the city east of the Philippine capital on Monday morning, December 4.

A tricycle and a motorcycle were also dragged into the incident near Alta Vista Subdivision, Barangay San Roque, based on a video posted by Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III.

“Expect slowdown of traffic flow in Ortigas Extension …due to a vehicular accident,” the mayor said in a 10:18 am traffic advisory. 

As of 11:53 am, Ynares posted a photo of the Meralco crew fixing the damaged power pole and lines

He said all injured victims had been brought to the nearest hospital. 

“Ortigas Ave. Extension (Alta Vista) is still closed. Please use Cabrera Road. Additional traffic enforcers are deployed to assist,” he said. 

As of 2:58 pm, Ynares said one lane was already passable to all types of vehicles. 

“Kasalukuyang inaayos pa rin ng mga crew ng Meralco ang linya ng kuryente at natumbang poste na nasira dahil sa aksidente,” he said. 

(Meralco is still fixing the power lines and fallen pole in the accident.)

As of 5:30 am, Tuesday, December 5, the two lanes of Ortigas Avenue Extension in Barangay San Roque where the mishap happened have been opened to traffic after Meralco crew finished their work. 

“The 2 inner lanes are now open in both directions (up and down Antipolo) though traffic flow is still expected to slow down while approaching the incident area especially during rush hour,” Ynares said. 

Only the 18-wheeler truck and another truck carrying its cargo were left on the side of the road, he added. 

Although power has been restored in affected areas, some telco services were still down as of Tuesday morning.

Radio DZBB said the truck driver first lost control of the vehicle prior to the collision with the van. The report said five people in the UV Express van were slightly injured. – Rappler.com