Rescuers retrieve more bodies of workers following bridge collapse
FIVE WORKERS have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a constructed steel bridge in Sitio Kibakak, Barangay Malamba, Marilog District, on Monday, July 24.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, the Davao City Police Office spokesperson, identified the casualties as Jay Bangonan, 22, laborer; Rolando Abing, 40, laborer and a resident of Sitio Kibakak; Cris Napao, 44, mason and a resident of Balusong, Matina; Jimboy Liga, 28 y/o, single, boom truck operator, resident of Pagan Grande, Davao City, and Elmer Sanico Sayson, 44, foreman/welder and a resident of Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental.
Meanwhile, Meljay Bero, 29, single, laborer and a resident of Monkayo, and Jonathan Dispo, 38 y/o, married, mason and resident of Catalunan Grande, are now recuperating at the Southern Philippines Medical Center after sustaining injuries.
The Marilog Police Station said ten workers from Bojus Sun Builders & Supply Corporation were attaching the side panel of the bridge using a boom truck. However, the entire weight of the steel material collapsed, dragging everyone to the river below.
The drop had a depth of 60 feet.
TIMES messaged Bojus Sun Builders & Supply Corporation for a statement but has not replied as of this story’s publication.
It was learned that the bridge’s construction started in March 2023 and is scheduled to be completed on Jan. 9, 2024. The government funded the project with a P64 million budget.
According to the report updated at 10:35 a.m. on July 25, Sayson’s body was retrieved by the joint personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bureau of Fire Philippines XI, and Central 911.
After a few hours, they retrieved Napao at about 11:50 a.m. on the same date.
Three others survived the incident unscathed. They were identified as Jay-ar Bughaw, 25, single, welder and resident of Talomo, Calinan; Jayson Bero, 28, single, welder and resident of Monkayo; and Dario Dispo, married, foreman and resident of Catalunan Grande.
Jay Bangonan, 22, died immediately from the incident, while Rolando Abing was brought to Kibalang Hospital but unfortunately did not make it.
