Accidents stall traffic along Marcos Highway

MANILA, Philippines — Two eastbound lanes of Marcos Highway were closed to traffic on Friday following accidents involving several vehicles, putting the traffic in the area in a virtual standstill.

Authorities told GMA News that they decided to close the lanes to remove a dump truck that crashed into a post of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 Friday morning.

Ronald Mejia, chief operations of 161 Rescue, told the TV station that only two lanes of Marcos Highway going to Katipunan could be used by motorists while their operation was ongoing.

He said that their operation would take an hour and a half. “Siguro po aabot na lang po kami ng isang oras at kalahati,” Mejia said.

The dump truck’s helper was killed in the accident while two others were hurt.

As of press time, the body of the helper has not yet been retrieved by authorities from the truck’s wreckage.

On Friday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported several accidents and incidents in the area. 

The official Twitter account of the MMDA reported the dump truck incident at 4:21 in the morning.

ADVISORY: Self accident at Marcos highway Gil Fernando EB involving dump truck as of 4:21 AM. 1 lane occupied. MMDA on site. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) March 9, 2017

Several hours later at 8:30, the agency reported a “self-accident” involving a car on the eastbound lane of the highway. It said that one lane was occupied by it.

ADVISORY: Self accident at Marcos highway before bridge EB involving car as of 8:30 AM. 1 lane occupied. MMDA on site.#mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) March 10, 2017

After a few minutes, a public utility jeepney (PUJ) stalled traffic anew due to flat tires on the eastbound lane at the Ligaya area along Marcos Highway.  This also occupied one lane.

ADVISORY: Stalled PUJ due to flat tire problem at Marcos highway Ligaya EB as of 8:48 AM. 1 lane occupied. MMDA on site. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) March 10, 2017

Pictures from social media users in the area showed long lines of vehicles stalled along the road. Some even reported that some people have already decided to instead walk to their destinations.

Marcos highway today :( pic.twitter.com/B4j2GpW6jj

— jel hernaez (@fishbrain26) March 10, 2017