Palace vows gov’t assistance after Bohol bridge fatal collapse

Malacañang on Thursday vowed to help the affected people by the fatal collapse of a bridge over Loboc River in Loay, Bohol on Wednesday.

In a statement, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar also extended condolences to families of the victims who died in the incident.

“We express our condolences to the families of the victims who perished with the collapse of a bridge in Loay town in Bohol.  We likewise pray for the swift recovery of those who got injured,” he said.

“Authorities are currently conducting an investigation even as we assure everyone, especially affected residents and communities, of government assistance,” he added.

Initially, four people were killed while 15 were injured after the old Clarin Bridge collapsed while vehicles were passing.

The bridge was damaged in the 2013 earthquake but was still being used while motorists waited for the new bridge beside it to be finished.

Search and rescue operations were ongoing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its initial report released on Thursday, the NDRRMC said investigation showed that 12 utility vehicles and a delivery truck—containing gravel and sand for the construction of a new adjoining bridge—passed the old infrastructure.

“This caused serious tension and the collapse of the bridge,” the NDRRMC said.

“The old Clarin Bridge was damaged during the 2013 Bohol earthquake and recently served as a detour bridge for the on-going new Clarin Bridge, a Nielsen-type bridge adjacent to the old bridge,” it added.

The fatalities were identified as a 65-year-old female from Loay, a 30-year-old Austrian male staying in Panglao, a 29-year-old male from Tagbilaran City, and a 33-year-old male from Dauis.

According to the NDRRMC, the number of injured persons is now at 17.

Meanwhile, at least 23 individuals were rescued in the incident. 

According to Manny Vargas’ report on Super Radyo dzBB on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the survivors were inside their vehicles when the bridge collapsed.

Bohol Governor Art Yap blamed the collapse of the bridge on stationary traffic.

“According to Engineer Magiting Cruz of the DPWH, the possible cause why the bridge collapse was because the bridge is only for flowing traffic," Yap said.

“There were a lot of cargo vehicles on the bridge, and the bridge could not take the weight. That’s the reason why they collapsed,” he added. — Joviland Rita and Mel Matthew Doctor/RSJ, GMA News