4 hurt in Laguna bridge collapse

LAGUNA, Philippines — A cargo truck fell into a river when a bridge collapsed in Majayjay, Laguna yesterday morning, leaving four persons injured.

The driver of the truck, Jieron Benlot, 34; Den Fernandez, 42, and truck helpers Noel Clemente, 44, and Jeffry Pinino, 29, were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Initial investigation showed the steel bridge at the border of Barangays San Isidro and Suba collapsed when the 12-wheeler truck, which was loaded with sand, passed at around 10 a.m.

In a post on Facebook, Majayjay Mayor Carlo Invinzor Clado blamed the accident on “undisciplined” drivers of big trucks.

He lamented that trucks use the bridge even though there are signages that it could carry only a maximum of five tons.

Barangay officials advised motorists to use alternate routes, such as the highway in Liliw town, while the bridge is being repaired.