THE Provincial Government of Samar has urged the motorists traversing the 2.16-kilometer-long San Juanico Bridge to “exercise extra caution and reasonable care” following a vehicular accident on Friday morning, February 24, 2023.

In the information released by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas, the victims were identified as 49-year-old barangay kagawad Richard Malbas, who was driving the Toyota Hi-lux, and his two passengers Elvis Omirada and Val Badajos, all residents of Basey, Samar.

Initial investigation disclosed that the vehicle was traveling from Basey, Samar bound to Tacloban City when the steering wheel malfunctioned along the San Juanico bridge area.

As the driver abruptly applied brake, the vehicle swerved and struck the right-side railings of the bridge, according to the police.

“As a result, the driver and its passengers sustained injuries while the railings of the bridge were detached. Necessary medical intervention and rescue operations were conducted,” said the Samar provincial government in a statement.

“The San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic Lighting is not directly affected by the aforementioned incident. However, the lights show will be temporarily suspended to assess the extent of damage, and to ensure everyone's safety,” it added.

The driver and passengers of the vehicle were immediately brought to the hospital for medical attention, while the vehicle involved is now under the custody of 805th Mobile Company-Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 based at San Juanico Bridge-Samar side for proper disposition.

Authorities said it was a self-accident. (SunStar Philippines)