ONE person died and four others were injured when a girder spanning two posts of the northbound Skyway Extension project in Muntinlupa City fell Saturday morning, November 21, 2020.
In a statement, contractor EEI Corporation said a crane that was being positioned for its next task tilted and fell on the girder at 8:50 a.m. Saturday, causing the girder to fall on the vehicles below.
The contractor said the four injured persons were rushed by Skyway O&M Corporation and EEI ambulances to hospitals.
“We are monitoring the progress of the injured and are trying to get in touch with their next of kin for proper coordination and to extend any assistance they may need,” EEI said.
“Our hearts and prayers go with the affected families. This is an unfortunate and heart-breaking accident that must not happen again,” it added.
The company said it was going to immediately review its safety and operating protocols.
In a separate statement, Skyway concession holder San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said the incident set back the completion of the P10-billion project from December 2020 to February 2021.
The company said the girder fell on six vehicles on East Service Road in Cupang, Muntinlupa.
“We deeply regret this unfortunate accident and assure a full and thorough investigation. Our thoughts and concern are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority,” SMC stated.
The Skyway Extension project provides additional lanes and connects the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Skyway near Susanna Heights and the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway.
The project is seen as key to reducing traffic in southern Metro Manila, particularly the SLEX and the Alabang area while providing motorists from the south direct access to the elevated Skyway.
The Skyway 3 project, a 17.93-kilometer stretch that links SLEX and Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX), was completed in early October despite delays caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang had announced.
It is set to be opened to the public in December. SMC earlier said finishing works, such as the proper curing of asphalt, were delayed by continuous rains. (SunStar Philippines from PR)