A bridge in Barangay Matina Pangi, Davao City collapsed on Saturday afternoon, October 19, 2024, after a 10-wheeler truck loaded with rocks and soil crossed it. The bridge, located at Km 8, Purok 6-A Iñigo, had a maximum capacity of five tons, but the truck far exceeded this limit.
The driver managed to escape unscathed as the truck fell with the bridge. According to Barangay Matina Pangi Councilman Oniel Pareñas, the bridge was already dilapidated, and even vehicles within the five-ton limit were no longer allowed to cross due to its fragile condition.
“Trucks were supposed to take another route, but they mistakenly entered Iñigo,” Pareñas explained.
The barangay lacks the funds to repair the bridge and has already requested assistance from the city government, but their request missed the budget cutoff. As of now, the bridge remains impassable, with residents forced to use a nearby pedestrian-only bridge in Saavedra, Catalunan Grande.
Local residents, like Aldrin Tipudan, expressed frustration, highlighting the inconvenience and the risk of theft if they leave their motorcycles behind.