ILOILO City – A banned oversized truck smashed into the vertical clearance barrier of the Buhang Flyover in Barangay Buhang, Jaro district late Saturday night, reigniting serious concerns over traffic discipline and forcing authorities to tighten enforcement and push for improved safety measures just days after the structure’s reopening.
The collision occurred around 9 p.m. on May 2 when a wing van — estimated at about eight feet in height — illegally entered the flyover and struck the clearance structure, in violation of existing city regulations prohibiting large vehicles from using elevated roadways.
The Buhang Flyover had only reopened on April 30, 2026.
Uldarico Garbanzos, head of the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (ICTTMO), confirmed the driver was immediately cited under Regulation Ordinance 2023-260, which bans vehicles with three or more axles from passing through flyovers.
“May damage to property…Sa amon nga level, issue kami citation ticket. Ang damage, i-settle nila sa concerned government agency (Department of Public Works and Highways). Sa amon, ti P5,000 ang ila fine sa violation of Regulation Ordinance 260,” said Garbanzos.
Initial reports indicate the truck was traveling at high speed when it hit the clearance barrier.
But ICTTMO’s investigation found that many more motorists ignore traffic signs, placing both lives and public infrastructure at risk.
Garbanzos did not hide his frustration.
“We must work towards ensuring safer roadways for all users, and adherence to these regulations is vital,” he said.
In response, city traffic officials are now pushing for stronger preventive measures, including the installation of additional and more visible directional signs.
Garbanzos said they will formally request the DPWH Region 6 to install advance warning signs at least 50 meters before the flyover for both incoming and outgoing traffic.
The move comes after complaints from the wing van driver — who claimed poor visibility of existing signs — as well as motorcycle riders who also reported difficulty spotting warnings, especially at night.
Authorities reiterated that motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, e-bikes, and vehicles with three or more axles remain strictly prohibited from using the flyover.
Garbanzos emphasized the need for better lighting and clearer signage to prevent similar incidents.
“We need to ensure our motorists are well-informed to prevent future incidents,” he asserted.
The ICTTMO said it will intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns, warning that continued violations will not only result in fines but also potential liability for damages to government infrastructure./PN
