MANILA, Philippines – The provincial government of Bohol confirmed that 4 died while 24 individuals were rescued when the old Clarin Bridge in Loay, Bohol collapsed last Wednesday, April 27.
After four batches of dives by 65 volunteer divers, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap put a halt to the operations due to strong currents and rains. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Tarsier 117 confirmed the number of casualties has all been accounted for and no more missing bodies.
Among the 4 individuals who died was an Austrian national traveling in Bohol with his wife, who survived the accident. According to the report, at least 11 vehicles, including four 4-wheeler trucks, 1 dump truck, 2 tricycles, and 2 motorbikes, fell into the water when the bridge collapsed.
The Bohol Police Provincial Office’s report on the incident stated, “Several private vehicles were submerged into the river...Some vehicles were covered and trampled by heavy infrastructure.”
In a Facebook live, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap explained that the old Clarin bridge was reportedly partially damaged due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake back in 2013. It was repaired to ease traffic congestion while the new bridge was being constructed.
This June, the new Clarin bridge was expected to be opened to the public.
“The bridge is only for flowing traffic. But the traffic became stationary and there were cargo vehicles there. And the bridge could not take the weight and that is the reason why it collapsed,” Yap said.
Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Anthony Damalerio explained how the bridge collapsed due to overloading.
“There was one dumptruck fully loaded with construction—parang graba, and when this dumptruck reached the center of the bridge, nag-counterflow siya, kasi dapat one way lang and pagdating niya sa gitna ng bridge doon na nag-collapse, due to overload," he said.
Rev. Fr. Martin Relampagos of the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Loay held a community prayer and blessed the site on Thursday.
— Sally, The Summit Express
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| Old Clarin bridge collapses leading to 4 dead, 24 rescued | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Provincial Government of Bohol |
After four batches of dives by 65 volunteer divers, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap put a halt to the operations due to strong currents and rains. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Tarsier 117 confirmed the number of casualties has all been accounted for and no more missing bodies.
Among the 4 individuals who died was an Austrian national traveling in Bohol with his wife, who survived the accident. According to the report, at least 11 vehicles, including four 4-wheeler trucks, 1 dump truck, 2 tricycles, and 2 motorbikes, fell into the water when the bridge collapsed.
The Bohol Police Provincial Office’s report on the incident stated, “Several private vehicles were submerged into the river...Some vehicles were covered and trampled by heavy infrastructure.”
In a Facebook live, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap explained that the old Clarin bridge was reportedly partially damaged due to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake back in 2013. It was repaired to ease traffic congestion while the new bridge was being constructed.
This June, the new Clarin bridge was expected to be opened to the public.
“The bridge is only for flowing traffic. But the traffic became stationary and there were cargo vehicles there. And the bridge could not take the weight and that is the reason why it collapsed,” Yap said.
Bohol Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Anthony Damalerio explained how the bridge collapsed due to overloading.
“There was one dumptruck fully loaded with construction—parang graba, and when this dumptruck reached the center of the bridge, nag-counterflow siya, kasi dapat one way lang and pagdating niya sa gitna ng bridge doon na nag-collapse, due to overload," he said.
Rev. Fr. Martin Relampagos of the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Loay held a community prayer and blessed the site on Thursday.
— Sally, The Summit Express
