45-year-old Piggatan Bridge collapses after overloaded trucks cross

A portion of the 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed on Monday afternoon, October 6, after four overloaded Isuzu trucks carrying agricultural goods were on the bridge.

Seven individuals, including the drivers and helpers of the trucks, sustained minor injuries and were initially taken to Alcala Municipal Hospital before being transferred to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center for further treatment.

The bridge, which had a weight limit of 18 tons, collapsed when the trucks, each estimated at over 50 tons, exceeded its capacity.

Charges of negligence and destruction to public property will be filed against the truck owners, who are currently being identified.

Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay stated that the charges aim to deter future disregard for bridge weight limits, while Alcala Mayor Tin Antonio urged government inspections of bridges throughout Cagayan.

Major rerouting has been implemented for motorists, with light vehicles advised to take alternate routes via Barangay Roads, and heavy trucks rerouted to other roads like the Baybayog-Baggao Road.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is conducting an assessment to determine the cause of the collapse.