MANILA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways has sent a team to conduct a thorough assessment of a bridge in Cagayan province in the northern Philippines that collapsed on Monday.
Preliminary findings reveal that three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, far exceeding the bridge's 18-ton capacity, were on the bridge in Alcala town when the structure collapsed.
"The Department shall provide a recommendation based on the results of the assessment," said Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon in a statement released on Monday evening.
In the meantime, authorities urged the public to avoid the bridge and use alternate routes.
Local media earlier reported that seven individuals were injured and brought to hospitals due to the incident. ■
