Isabela bridge collapse injures 6, driver missing

A portion of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge in Isabela collapsed on Thursday night, Feb. 27, injuring six people including a child with severe injuries.

The collapse occurred after a dump truck carrying boulders weighing around 102 tons passed over it; four vehicles fell into the river when crossing the bridge around 8 p.m., and the driver of the dump truck is still missing.

Emergency responders secured the area and rerouted traffic to avoid congestion, while DPWH requested experts from its central office for further evaluation.

The DPWH has promised to hold individuals accountable for any discrepancies or irregularities in the construction of the bridge, which was completed on February 1, 2025, with a total project cost of PHP1.22 billion.

A second contract awarded to R.D. Interior, Jr. Construction in May 28, 2024, for P115 million worth of retrofitting work intended to ensure the bridge's integrity was completed within 180 days.

The DPWH is conducting an analysis to determine the cause of the collapse and has identified R.D. Interior, Jr. Construction as the contractor; authorities are investigating the incident and will implement safety measures.