TARLAC CITY, Philippines — A portion of the Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City collapsed late Friday night as relentless rains and powerful currents from the swollen Tarlac River battered the area, forcing authorities to shut down the vital crossing and warn motorists to stay away.
The dramatic collapse was caught on camera at around 11:56 p.m. on August 28, according to footage released by local authorities and reports from GMA News. The bridge was immediately closed to traffic as engineers and disaster officials moved in to assess the damage and protect nearby communities.
The incident comes amid widespread heavy rainfall associated with the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, which has triggered flooding and dangerous river conditions across parts of Luzon.
DPWH: Repairs Must Wait Until River Conditions Improve
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected the damaged bridge on Saturday, stressing the importance of restoring access because the crossing is critical to residents and local traffic.
However, authorities said repair work cannot safely begin while the river remains dangerously swollen. The DPWH has deployed personnel, installed barricades, and continued its structural assessment of the decades-old bridge. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.
The collapse also raised concerns about other infrastructure in the area. Authorities reported damage in nearby locations, including cracks and a sinkhole in parts of Barangay Cut-cut, prompting further inspections.
A Second Bridge Collapses as Tarlac Faces Growing Emergency
What began as a major infrastructure emergency became even more alarming less than a day later.
On Saturday night, August 29, the Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag—which had been identified as an alternative route following the Aquino Bridge closure—also collapsed amid continued heavy rains and strong water flow in the Tarlac River.
Authorities reported that a vehicle carrying five people fell into the river during the Agana Bridge collapse. One passenger was initially reported rescued, while emergency responders continued search and rescue operations for the others as authorities worked to verify developments and assess the full extent of the disaster.
The back-to-back bridge collapses have intensified concerns over road access, public safety, and the impact of days of severe weather on infrastructure across Tarlac and other parts of Luzon.
Heavy Rains Continue to Threaten Communities
The situation in Tarlac is part of a wider weather emergency affecting several provinces. GMA News reported flooding in parts of Pangasinan, while continuous monsoon rains have also affected communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides across Northern and Central Luzon. Authorities have maintained heightened monitoring and urged residents in high-risk areas to follow evacuation and safety advisories.
For now, the message from authorities is clear: stay away from damaged bridges, avoid flooded roads, and never attempt to cross strong river currents.
As engineers assess the damage and rescue teams remain on alert, residents are left confronting a troubling question: With two bridges giving way in less than 24 hours, how much more damage can the continuing rains bring?
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