Piggatan bridge in Cagayan collapses

A BRIDGE in the municipality of Alcala in Cagayan, which links it to towns and main highways to Tuguegarao City, has collapsed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, the DPWH said based on preliminary findings that the three loaded trucks which were on the bridge at the same time seemed to cause the collapse of the bridge at 5 p.m. Each truck was estimated to weigh 50 tons, far exceeding the 18-ton capacity limit.

The agency has advised motorists to take alternate routes as the bridge is currently impassable.

It recommended the use of alternate routes via Jct. Gattaran – Cumao – Capissayan – Sta. Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog – Baggao – Sta. Margarita Road (and vice versa).

The DPWH said coordination with the local government unit and the Philippine National Police is ongoing for traffic management, while the agency is currently investigating the incident.

Information from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office showed that several trucks were affected by the incident. — Ashley Erika O. Jose