MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday extended condolences to the families of four persons who died following the collapse of an old Clarin Bridge in Loay town, Bohol on Wednesday afternoon.
“We express our condolences to the families of the victims who perished with the collapse of a bridge in Loay town in Bohol,” acting presidential spokesperson and Communications secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.
According to Andanar, the Palace will pray for the “swift recovery” of the 20 others who were injured during the incident.
He also guaranteed that investigation is ongoing and that aid will be given to all casualties.
“Authorities are currently conducting an investigation even as we assure everyone, especially affected residents and communities, of government assistance,” he added.
At least 12 vehicles plunged into the river on Wednesday around 4 p.m., according to local police.
Rescuers performed dives to find the vehicles and people who may have become trapped inside their vehicles.
Six of the 12 vehicles underwater were four-wheeled cars, one was a dump truck, three were tricycles, and two were motorcycles.
Based on the initial reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the bridge may have collapsed due to “overloading”.
The provincial government of Bohol pledged to send “full financial assistance” to the victims and survivors of the tragedy.
Although the bridge was damaged during the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013, it was still being used as motorists waited for the new bridge beside it to be finished.
The new bridge, which will replace the Clarin Bridge, is scheduled to be open to the public in June of this year.
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