Isabela bridge collapses under overloaded truck, DPWH investigates

A bridge in Cabagan-Santa Maria, Isabela, collapsed last week due to overstress from heavy trucks passing through.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan reported that a 102-ton dump truck carrying boulders may have caused the collapse, despite signs prohibiting vehicles heavier than 44 tons.

The bridge, which cost P1.2 billion and was opened to the public in February 2025, underwent retrofitting for earthquake safety but collapsed shortly after its opening.

DPWH is engaging a third-party consulting firm to investigate the cause of the collapse and inspect the structural materials.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into potential corruption related to the bridge's construction.