Bodies of 2 of 3 missing Pinoys in Taiwan bridge collapse found

The bodies of two of the three Filipinos who were reported missing after a bridge collapsed in Taiwan have been recovered, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Wednesday.

FLASH REPORT: Dalawa pang bangkay ng Pinoy, na-recover sa Yilan County, Taiwan, ayon kay Lito Banayo, Manila Economic and Cultural Office. pic.twitter.com/CUtyBajSlP

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“Dalawa na yung nakita. Yung isa, hatinggabi kagabi nang ma-retrieve ang katawan. Kanina na-identify. Yung isa naman, dakong alas kuwatro na ng umaga,” MICO chair Lito Banayo said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

"So dalawa na yung na-identify. May isa pang hinahanap,” Banayo said.

Six people, including the three Filipinos, were earlier reported missing after a bridge in Taiwan collapsed and fell on the fishing vessels berthed under it.

The collapse of the bridge, which carries traffic over the busy fishing port, damaged three fishing boats and two vehicles, including the tanker, according to Taiwanese officials, though the reason for the collapse in clear weather was not immediately clear.

Banayo said the families of the two Filipinos have already been informed about the deaths. He said they cannot divulge yet the names of the victims.

Banayo said MECO will help in the repatriation of the two victims to the Philippines.

Aside from the help from Philippine government agencies, Banayo said some Taiwanese are also donating for the families of the victims.

Banayo said the suspension bridge's rusting cables and strong winds the night before due to Typhoon Mitag are considered reasons that might have caused the collapse. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News