Collapsed girder launcher might delay Skyway Extension Project – MMDA chief

Work on the Skyway Extension Project might not be finished in time for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November due to the collapse of a heavy-lift girder launcher, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

The girder launcher, positioned on Andrews Road in Pasay City, fell on five vehicles Monday afternoon. No one was hurt in the accident.

"Opening dapat nito October pero dahil itong girder ay nasira ay mukhang hindi na nila gagamitin ito kasi kahit palitan 'yung makina, medyo may liko na eh, hindi na naka-align. Kailangan mag-import pa ng isang ganyan," Tolentino said in a report on "24 Oras" on Tuesday.

After operating hours

The MMDA also wants DMCI, the contractor of the Skyway project, to explain why the girder launcher was activated outside of its allowed period of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

"Sinwitch off na raw 'yung engine, eh umandar pa. So 'yun ang tinitignang anggulo. Pero usapan kasi dito, walang trabaho sa araw," Tolentino said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is assigned to investigate the matter.

DPWH director for public-private partnerships projects Ariel Angeles said that it seemed the launcher was switched on in preparation for its night operations.

DMCI also said that it is conducting its own investigation on the matter. It also promised to aid the owners of the seven vehicles that were crushed by the equipment.

The incident caused heavy traffic in Pasay City that lasted until midnight. — Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News