TARLAC CITY — A portion of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City collapsed shortly before midnight on Friday, 28 August, amid heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and strong currents in the Tarlac River.

Witnesses said the affected section began showing signs of instability at around 11:30 p.m. before giving way at approximately 11:55 p.m. The collapse occurred near the boundary of Barangays Mabini and Cut-Cut 1. Closed-circuit television footage reportedly captured the incident at about 11:56 p.m.

The bridge has been closed to motorists as authorities assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate repairs. The Agana Bridge is being used as an alternative route, although motorists have been advised to exercise caution because of the expected increase in traffic.

Barricades were installed at both ends of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge, also known as the Aquino Bridge, along the Tibag–San Isidro crossing by the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team and the Tarlac City government.

The bridge carries traffic along Romulo Highway across the Tarlac River and connects Tarlac City with areas leading to Sta. Ignacia, Mayantoc, Camiling and San Clemente, as well as Mangatarem in Pangasinan.

The city government’s disaster-response and engineering teams, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways, are monitoring the structure and conducting an assessment to ensure public safety. Authorities have yet to announce when the damaged section will be repaired or reopened.

The bridge is several decades old and has undergone repair and widening work in the past. However, the circumstances surrounding its collapse — including the condition of its foundation and the possible effects of river erosion and strong currents — will have to be established by the ongoing structural assessment.

Motorists have been urged to use designated alternative routes and follow traffic advisories while the bridge remains closed.