BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Thirteen people were rescued after the steel bridge in Barangay Balabag, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental collapsed.
According to witnesses, the collapse happened at around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 while a sports utility vehicle, a compact car and a pickup truck were trying to cross the bridge.
Local disaster response teams from the cities of Bago and La Carlota immediately responded to the scene. A 15-year-old teenager was hospitalized. He was reportedly pinned in the vehicle.
The others suffered minor cuts and bruises, while some managed to emerge unscathed.
The bridge was initially believed to be part of Barangay Don Jorge Araneta, Bago City. However, after further confirmation among local government units it was clarified that the bridge belonged to La Carlota City.
La Carlota City’s Mayor Rex Jalandoon said yesterday that the bridge was not supposed to be used by vehicles.
Initial investigation revealed that the bridge collapsed because the three vehicles crossed at the same time.
Jalandoon said the weight of the bridge can only handle light vehicles such as motorcycles and tricycles.
Jalandoon ordered the City Engineer’s Office to assess the bridge and to find funds for its reconstruction./PN
