Search continues for 4 still missing after SUV fell into river following Tarlac bridge collapse

Search and rescue operations continued Sunday to locate four passengers of a multi-purpose vehicle that fell into the river following the collapse of Agana Bridge in Tarlac City on Saturday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said.

PAF said that its Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon and Tactical Operations Group 3 are currently conducting the said search and rescue operations.

"The incident involved a Toyota Avanza carrying five passengers that fell into the river. One individual was recovered and brought to Tarlac Provincial Hospital, while efforts continue to locate the remaining four passengers," said PAF in a statement.

"Upon arrival in the area, the responding teams proceeded to the vicinity of Aquino Bridge to conduct search and rescue operations at the location where the victims were last seen," it added.

Also joining in the search and rescue operations are teams from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 522nd Engineer Construction Battalion, and 7th Civil-Military Operations Battalion.

The Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag collapsed at around 8:32 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, as heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continued to batter the province.

The collapse occurred a day after a portion of the Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City gave way amid continuous rains and strong river currents. The Aquino Bridge was subsequently closed to traffic.

Following the collapse of the two bridges in Tarlac City, Office of Civil Defense Region 3 Information Officer Liezel Cayanan said that rerouting schemes will be implemented.

"For commuters, the provincial and city governments have established an updated rerouting scheme. This is to ensure smooth, uninterrupted travel for our fellow citizens who need to go to Tarlac," she said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday. —KG, GMA News