UPDATE!!!: Steel framework on Parang bridge reportedly collapses

The steel framework that collapsed after being set up by workers on the concrete foundation. Top picture: Notice a worker being dwarfed at the tip of the framework. On the left, the pedestrian wooden walkway that has been torn down after it was hit by the ill-fated framework. Above: Bystanders look at a portion of the steel framework. – Photos courtesy of RAYMOND CECILIO/Facebook

 By ALFREDO P HERNANDEZ

A NEWLY-set up steel framework on a bridge being constructed in Parang, Mambulao, CamNorte, reportedly collapsed yesterday afternoon while some men were at work.

However, no one was injured.

The contractors had to demolish the wooden pedestrian walkway along the bridge to allow for the removal of the damaged framework.

However, local resident Manuel Rafayla Antipasado clarified that the Parang bridge did not actually collapse.

He said: “It was only the wood structure that supports the roller that broke … but the bridge itself was is intact and defintely sturdy … it would only be lifted on the other side to level off the steel framework.”

Rafayla posted his clarification on the Facebook account of Jose Panganiban Camarines Norte Group. 

The Mambulao government was investigating the incident.

The framework’s reported collapse immediately had spread like wildfire and drew sharp reactions from the residents.

Pictures of the damaged steel framework were posted on the Facebook account of the JPCN group.

According to Facebooker Raymond Cecilio, who took the pictures, the framework collapsed at about 5.30pm today (Sunday) while some workers were doing some jobs on top of it.

He said in a message to MWBuzz: “Actually … ito ‘yong road frame that will be laid on top of the concrete foundation.”

He suggested that concrete would be poured onto the framework after it has been fixed. 

Postings expressed dismay since the completion of the bridge promised before the end of this month would be further delayed.

Some said that it would cause big inconvenience to the people crossing the walkway, which was removed shortly after the framework collapsed to allow workmen to work on it.

Others said the unfinished bridge would cause a lot of troubles during the fiesta celebrations in  Mambulao on Oct 6-7.

The Parang bridge will cost P22 million to build, with P2 million coming from the local government’s funds.

It is being built under the President’s bridge programme that aims to build bridges in barangays across the country.

Much of the materials in building the bridge were supplied by the government, with only the concrete posts and foundation being fabricated by the contractor.

Yesterday, Mayor Ricarte “Dong” Padilla posted a message on the group’s Facebook account to assure that the bridge would be completed on the third week of this month in time for the fiesta celebration next month.

He appealed for patience from community.

Padilla has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

For feedback, email: ahernandez@thenational.com.pg