4 cars fall into river as newly retrofitted bridge in Isabela collapses
A portion of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed on Thursday night, causing 4 vehicles to fall into the Cagayan River. (Photo courtesy of LGU Cabagan Square Park)
ILAGAN CITY, Isabela — A portion of the newly retrofitted Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela province collapsed on Thursday night (February 27), authorities said.
Four cars were initially reported damaged after falling into the Cagayan River due to the bridge’s collapse.
Injuries were reported, but data is still being gathered.
No fatalities were immediately recorded.
The responsibility of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the contractor is still being assessed, and neither party has issued any statement.
Article continues after this advertisementDuring calamities and when the nearby old bridge is submerged due to overflowing rivers, the bridge would be open only for tricycles and light vehicles.
The structure has yet to be formally declared safe for public use.
The 720-lineal-meter bridge was first funded with a budget of P640 million.
It was supposed to be completed in 2019, after more than five years of construction.
However, an alleged defect in its foundation led to the release of an additional P200 million for retrofitting, which was just completed this year.
