Body Recovered, 3 Others Still Missing Following Agana Bridge Collapse In Tarlac
Tarlac Gov. Christian Yap told “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH that the Agana and Aquino Bridges that collapsed were old and that search and rescue operations continue for the missing persons.
The body of one of the four people missing from the collapse of Agana Bridge collapse in Tarlac City on Saturday, Aug. 29, was found in Dagupan, Pangasinan on Monday, Aug. 31.
Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap announced this on Monday as she extended her deepest condolences to the family of the victim, who was identified as James Patrick Taborlupa.
A portion of the Agana Bridge collapsed on Saturday night due to strong river currents spawned by the southwest monsoon. Several rescue teams continue their search for the three other missing companions of Taborlupa who were in a vehicle that fell into the river after the bridge slump.
The Tarlac City government identified those missing as Paul Harvey Collado, Sheila Mae Taborlupa and Shonen Tuhaw.
The bridge was used as an alternative route after the Aquino Bridge, also in Tarlac City, collapsed on Friday, Aug. 28.
As this developed, the Department of Public Works and Highways’ personnel started on Monday the repairs of Agana and Aquino Bridges in Tarlac City, following orders from President Marcos to speed up their restoration.
Earlier, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency would construct a temporary steel bridge to reconnect the collapsed middle section of the Aquino Bridge.
Dizon ordered the immediate installation of safety barricades and a comprehensive structural assessment following the collapse of the bridges due to heavy monsoon rains and strong currents from the Tarlac River.
He said strong, debris-laden river currents washed away a central concrete pier, causing a major bridge segment to plunge into the riverbed.
“I have dispatched engineers from Metro Manila to assess what quick engineering solutions we can implement to make this Aquino Bridge passable to light vehicles,” Dizon said.
“Tarlac City is currently cut off from direct access, with motorists forced to detour through Gerona,” Dizon said. “I have ordered immediate temporary repair works on the Agana Bridge to restore local connection as quickly as possible.”
Emergency response teams, including the Philippine Air Force, were able to rescue passenger Nathaniel Dizon shortly after the incident, but the four went missing, the city government said.
Tarlac Gov. Christian Yap told “Sa Totoo Lang” on One PH that the two bridges that collapsed were old and that the Tagumbao Bridge in Gerona now serves as alternative route for pedestrians and light vehicles.
