RESIDENTS of Barangay Alijis in Valladolid town now need to take a longer route when going to the town proper following the collapse of a bridge there over the weekend.
Police Captain Joseph Cantonina, town police chief, said a wingvan truck which was supposed to deliver soya beans at a poultry farm in the area passed through the bridge at about 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Cantonina said the truck and its cargos weigh about 35 tonnes, which is far higher than the bridge's capacity of five to 10 tonnes only.
"Though the bridge is made of steel, it was built long years ago so it can only carry light vehicles like motorcycles, tricycles and multicabs with cargos not more than 10 tonnes," he said, adding that residents need to travel eight-kilometer more using alternative route when buying goods at the town proper.
Based on his statement to the police, truck driver Ramon Oplas said it was his first time to deliver goods at the area.
Oplas told authorities that he was just looking for an area where he can reverse the truck. He is not supposed to pass the bridge.
As of this writing, the vehicle was not yet removed from the bridge. Though, some of its cargos were already unloaded.
No injuries were reported but the rear portion of the truck was damaged due to the sudden collapse of the structure.
Cantonina said police personnel were deployed at the area to ensure the safety of the residents.
Cantonina said they [residents] were warned not to use the bridge as it might further break down.
The local government has yet to talk with the truck owner on the latter's obligation in repairing the bridge, he added.