THE collapse of the old Loay bridge on April 27, 2022 due to overload is being investigated, Loay Mayor Atty. Hilario “Boyet” Ayuban said in media interview.
Citing testimonies of the survivors, Ayuban said that the bridge disintegrated due to overload after vehicles stuck up at the bridge when a cargo truck made a counterflow.
He said that he is very serious in this investigation since it involves loss of human lives.
The mayor said that there should be one liable of the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Kristine Alexie B. Tutor asked the people to offer prayers for the victims of Loay bridge downfall.
“Let us offer our prayers for all the victims & most especially their families,” she said in her fb post.
It was learned that the operation salvage of the vehicles sank with the bridge has been suspended as of Friday.
This was bared by Anthony Damalerio, provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO), in media interview.
The reason for the suspension of the salvage operations is that there is not enough equipment to continue the salvage operation which has been canceled several times due to strong currents.
“We have stopped operations for the day because according to volunteer divers, we need commercial divers to do the salvage operation,” he said.
Reports said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the new bridge is safe and durable and it will be opened sometime next week, he said.
The Loay bridge collapse came when on the same day (April 27, 2022) President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurated the 8.9 kms. Cebu Cordova Link Express bridge, said to be the longest in the country, between Mactan island and Cebu city.
VICTIMS/SURVIVORS
At least four (4) were found dead after the bridge fell down at past 4 in the afternoon: Michael Ouschan, an Austrian national; Arniel Cilos, a resident of Bingag, Dauis, Bohol; Emilia A. Gemina, a resident of brgy. Villalimpia, Loay; and Epifhany C. Onada of Tagbilaran City.
Survivors were Hazel Avelez, Pateros; Jopol Ancheta, Cavite; Ralph Esma, Cebu City; Dionesia Laolao, Panglao; Luz Laolao, Panglao; Louella Mercado, Alegria Sur, Loay; Ronald Jesus Cruz Rojas, Canmanico, Valencia; Alvin Acorda, Poblacion Ibabao, Loay; Gerry Rellita, Catagbacan, Loon; Julia Ouschan, Austria; Digna Solis, Alegria Sur, Loay; Alberto Manuel Dela Serna, Tagbilaran City; Gian Arlo Gagni, Tagbilaran City; Gemma De La Cruz, Bingag, Dauis; Bonifacio Mefania, Bingag, Dauis; Ian Aba-a, Concepcion, Loay; Mariana Ysabelle Gemena, Villalimpia, Loay; Junryle Malig-on, Albur; Samson Caberte, – Agape, Loboc; and Milanio Caberte, Agape, Loboc.
Additional survivors bared include Jobert Pequit – Poblacion Ibabao, Loay; Edgar Paraiso – Poblacion Ubos Loay; Christian Jake Laurente – Alegria Sur, Loay; Sofia Asombrado Monungolh – Tagbilaran City; Deborah Olalo – Tagbilaran City; Alex Mariano Ampo – Tagbilaran City; Lydia Flores – Dauis; James Dylan Flores – Dauis; Mark Eunice Glenn Hontanosas – Dauis; Shrrie Elaine Tapon – Dauis; and Nancy Tapon – Dauis, Bohol.
Vehicles that sank with the bridge were: six (6) four-wheeled; one (1) dump truck; three (3) tricycles; and two (2) motorcycles.
DETOUR
The provincial engineering office advised motorists to take a detour: From Tagbilaran City to Jagna may take the route via Corella-Sikatuna to Loboc, or may take the highway then left turn upon arriving at coastal barangay Hinawanan to Concepcion up to Calunasan then to Loboc.
If from Jagna to Tagbilaran, take the opposite — from Loay junction right turn to Loboc then turn left to Sikatuna to Corella or right turn from Loay junction to Loboc, then left turn to barangay Calunasan to barangay Concepcion, right turn to barangay Hinawanan, Loay to the city.
It was learned that the Olegario B. Clarin Sr. Bridge which collapsed last Wednesday was 38 years old. It replaced the Anecito Clarin Bridge which was built in 1914. (rvo)
