Bridge collapses in Valladolid

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – Residents of Barangay Alijis in Valladolid, Negros Occidental will have to use an alternative route after the bridge in the village collapsed Saturday.

Police Captain Joseth Catonina, town police chief, said that a 10-wheeler wing van truck driven by 42-year-old Ramon Oplas from Iloilo City fell destroyed the bridge as it exceeded the 5 to 10-metric ton load limit for vehicles.

Catonina said Oplas was driving on the structure when the bridge collapsed under the 35-ton load, which included 470 sacks of soya beans to be delivered to the town.

The truck driver alleged that he was not familiar with the place.

Catonina said only light vehicles are allowed to pass through the 50-year-old bridge.

The truck owner has initially signified to help in the construction of the bridge, he added.

In the meantime, the barangay is constructing an alternative bridge for people to use but vehicles were advised to pass by the Barangay Guintorilan in San Enrique town or Barangay Ayungon in La Carlota City while the bridge is still closed.

No injuries were reported.