TARLAC CITY, Philippines — Search and rescue teams continued their operations Sunday, August 30, to find four people still missing after the vehicle they were riding in plunged into the Tarlac River when the Agana Bridge collapsed amid persistent heavy rains.
The tragedy unfolded on Saturday night, August 29, when the Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag gave way at around 8:32 p.m., according to local authorities. A Toyota Avanza carrying five passengers fell into the river as part of the bridge collapsed. One passenger was rescued and taken to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital, while four others remained unaccounted for.
The Philippine Air Force said its Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon and Tactical Operations Group 3 were among the units deployed for the continuing search. Other government and emergency response teams, including personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and military units, have also joined the operation.
A Deadly Collapse on What Had Become an Alternative Route
The Agana Bridge collapse came just a day after another major crossing in Tarlac City—the Aquino Bridge—was damaged and closed following days of intense rain and strong river currents.
The Department of Public Works and Highways had earlier advised motorists to use alternative routes, including the Agana Bridge, after the Aquino Bridge sustained structural damage. With the subsequent collapse of Agana Bridge, two key crossings in the area were rendered impassable, further disrupting travel and access to parts of western Tarlac and routes toward Pangasinan.
Authorities said the heavy rains were associated with the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, while powerful currents in the Tarlac River contributed to the dangerous conditions affecting infrastructure in the area.
Search Operations Hampered by Dangerous Conditions
Rescue teams have faced difficult conditions as heavy rain and strong river currents continue to pose risks during the operation. Local reports said responders have been limited in their ability to deploy boats, floating equipment, and drones because of the weather and the force of the river.
According to reports, the four missing passengers have been identified by authorities and local sources, while officials continue search, rescue, and retrieval efforts along the affected river areas. Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates as the operation remains ongoing.
Questions Grow After Two Bridge Failures in Just Two Days
The back-to-back bridge incidents have raised fresh concerns over public safety and the impact of extreme weather and powerful river currents on critical infrastructure.
The Aquino Bridge was already undergoing assessment after its collapse, with the DPWH conducting inspections and implementing traffic restrictions. Authorities are also assessing the damage to the Agana Bridge as emergency operations continue.
For now, the priority remains clear: finding the four people still missing.
As rescuers continue searching through challenging weather and river conditions, families are waiting for answers—and Tarlac City is confronting the aftermath of two bridge failures in less than 24 hours.
The search is ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any new recovery or rescue involving the four missing passengers as of the latest reports on Sunday.
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