A hanging bridge in Nueva Vizcaya collapsed on Thursday, causing 43 students and 7 teachers to fall while crossing on their way to school.
The incident occurred between Sitio Melina and Sitio Diogan in Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda. The group, composed of students and teachers from Abuyo National High School, was heading to another sitio for their school intramurals when the bridge gave way.
Following the collapse, three victims were rushed to a hospital in Nueva Ecija for further medical treatment, while the rest were examined at a nearby rural health unit. Most of the victims sustained minor injuries.
The victims fell from a height of about 6 to 10 meters, landing in water, sand, and rocks. Initial investigations suggest that the bridge, built in 2015, may have deteriorated and was unable to support the weight of 43 people crossing simultaneously.
At the time of the incident, using a boat as an alternative crossing method was not an option. The police investigation also revealed that students in shoes used the hanging bridge, while those in slippers crossed via the overflow bridge.
After receiving medical care, the students and teachers returned home. The accident site is located approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the town center of Alfonso Castaneda.
