The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Friday that a portion of the newly completed Sta. Maria-Cabagan Bridge in Isabela collapsed Thursday night, injuring six people.

In a statement, the DPWH Region 2 office said the collapse — which occurred around 8 p.m. — was caused by a dump truck carrying an estimated 102 tons of boulders. The collapse affected a 60-meter section of the bridge’s third span from the Cabagan side.

The incident involved four vehicles — the dump truck, two SUVs, and a motorcycle. The driver and passenger of the truck fled the scene.

One child with severe injuries was taken to Cagayan Valley Medical Center and is under observation. The other injured individuals were brought to Milagros Albano District Hospital and are recovering.

The DPWH said the bridge’s construction began in November 2014 and was completed 1 February 2025 at a cost of P1,225,537,087.92 The bridge spans 990 meters. The agency is conducting further analysis into the collapse and has requested experts from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction in the Central Office to conduct an evaluation and assessment.  

The bridge, which connects Cabagan and Sta. Maria, was initially scheduled to open in 2019 but was delayed due to alleged design defects.  

Meantime, senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson, speaking at a press conference in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, expressed concern over the collapse and called for accountability.

“Why would it collapse? When it was built, locals said it was never really used by trucks. What is the purpose of a bridge if trucks can’t pass through it? Maybe the materials were substandard,” Lacson said.

“Until someone is held accountable and jailed, this won’t stop,” he added. “This is not the first time, and this won’t be the last. I hope that not many people get hurt or die because of the negligence of those accountable and responsible for these kinds of infrastructure projects.”

The bridge’s construction involved R.D. Interior Jr. Construction, which has faced previous scrutiny over government contracts.

The DPWH said motorists should take precautions and use alternative routes.