The Cagayan Provincial Information Office (PIO) on late Monday afternoon announced that the Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, collapsed.
This marks the second bridge collapse in Cagayan Valley this year, following the February 27 incident involving the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge in Isabela.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and it is still being determined if anyone was injured in the incident,” the Cagayan PIO posted in Filipino, adding that the bridge remains impassable to all types of vehicles.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has since issued a statement on the incident, saying it has immediately dispatched a team to conduct a thorough damage assessment tonight of the collapsed bridge.
“Preliminary findings reveal that three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, were on the bridge at the time—far exceeding its 18-ton capacity, which seems to have caused the structure to collapse,” the DPWH said.
“The Department shall provide a recommendation based on the results of the assessment,” it added, noting that it will provide further updates as the assessment proceeds.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department urges the public to avoid the area and use official alternate routes via Jct. Gattaran – Cumao – Capissayan – Sta. Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog – Baggao – Sta. Margarita Road (and vice versa). — With reports from Jessica M. Bacud
