13-year old cyclist dies after falling off damaged road in Benguet; DPWH officials sacked

A 13-year old cyclist died after he fell off a road being repaired that had no adequate safety rails in La Trinidad, Benguet.

In Zendee Salvacio’s report on GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon on Wednesday, police investigation revealed the teenager was riding his bike along a portion of Barangay Beckel with some friends when he suddenly lost control and fell off the damaged road.

Witnesses said the victim fell into a 30-meter deep ravine. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Prior to the incident, it was learned that only a caution tape was placed on the damaged portion of the road.

It is believed the road was damaged during Typhoon Juan.

A memorandum order was quickly issued by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon ordering the removal of the first district engineer and maintenance section chief engineer of Benguet due to the lack of road safety signage and traffic control devices such as a concrete barrier in the area of the accident.

Dizon said the tragedy that was caused by the lapses of DPWH officials must not be repeated. —RF, GMA News