ILAGAN CITY, Isabela: A portion of a newly retrofitted bridge in the Philippines collapsed on Thursday (Feb 27) night, with at least four vehicles damaged, the authorities have said.
No injuries or deaths have been reported from the collapse of the Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge, which has not been formally declared safe for public use, in the Isabela province, but data is still being gathered.
The responsibility of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the contractor is still being assessed, and neither party has issued any statement.
During calamities and when an old bridge nearby is submerged due to overflowing rivers, the bridge would be open only for tricycles and light vehicles.
The 720m bridge was first funded with a budget of 640 million pesos (US$11.6 million).
It was supposed to be completed in 2019, after more than five years of construction.
However, an alleged defect in its foundation led to the release of an additional 200 million pesos for retrofitting, which was just completed in 2025. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
