Friday, January 12, 2007 SUV falls from Fernan Bridge
A SPORTS utility vehicle (SUV) fell from the Marcelo Fernan Bridge last night, leaving a gap in the railings of the bridge that forms part of the route reserved for visiting Southeast Asian leaders.
Driver Victoriano Lacson, 36, of Mandaue City survived the fall, but was checked for internal injuries at the Mandaue City Hospital, said PO2 Joselito Catabas of the Mandaue Traffic Group.
Lacson told Catabas that he was headed for Lapu-Lapu City and only 50 meters away from the center of the bridge when he lost control of the wheel. The vehicle swerved to the left lane, tore through the railings and landed in the mini-park maintained by the Mandaue City Government.
Fortunately, the park was deserted except for some policemen, who managed to leap out of harm’s way. The park is a favorite destination for dating couples, but Catabas said it was closed as part of security measures for this week’s summit.
Lacson’s Ford Expedition (YBD-123) was wrecked, though.
“Mora’g gikumot og anghel (It looked like an avenging angel had crushed it),” Catabas told Sun.Star Cebu by phone last night. He said the accident occurred at 8:22 p.m.
Lacson was by himself during the accident and, while badly shaken, did not appear to have any open wounds after the fall.
Catabas said it was fortunate that traffic on the bridge was light, otherwise Lacson’s SUV could have hit oncoming vehicles before it swerved out of its lane and plunged.
Contrary to initial reports, no one died in the accident.
