Billboard collapses, post topples along Katipunan Avenue, QC; 3 vehicles hit

A billboard collapsed and a concrete post toppled amid heavy rains along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, hitting three vehicles and causing traffic on the thoroughfare, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday.

In an advisory, the MMDA said the billboard incident happened at 11:30 a.m. along the southbound lane of C5 Katipunan-Ateneo. Two vehicles were hit by the fallen structure, the MMDA said.
 

One lane was occupied as MMDA enforcers checked the situation on site. The incident caused moderate to slow-moving traffic at the area, the MMDA said.

Meanwhile on the northbound lane, a concrete post toppled at about 11:20 a.m. and hit another vehicle. The MMDA has advised motorists to seek alternative routes.

Upon his inspection, Department of Energy undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said Meralco targeted to resume the electricity supply to 1,600 affected customers within the day, according to a report by Super Radyo dzBB's Luisito Santos.

Fuentebella added that strong winds might have caused the collapse of the billboard and electric post.

According to PAGASA's 11 a.m. bulletin, Metro Manila is expected to experience strong to gale-force gusts caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Meanwhile, Crising, which intensified into a severe tropical storm, exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 10 a.m. Saturday.

However, Signal No. 2 remained in effect over three areas, and Signal No. 1 over seven areas in Luzon. — VDV, GMA Integrated News