Tarlac bridge collapses; 2 trucks fall, driver dies

By George Trillo

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The bridge linking two villages in Mayantoc, Tarlac, collapsed as a convoy of dump trucks were crossing it July 3.

Chief Insp. Karen Clark, regional police spokesperson, said two of the trucks fell off the bridge as it collapsed, killing one of the drivers.

Clark identified the fatality as Arnold Quiambao, 34, married and a resident of Barangay Caraingian, Tarlac City.

The driver of the other truck, Michael Costudio Julio, survived the crash with injuries after the bridge collapsed around 11:30 a.m. that day, she added.

The bridge links the villages of Poblacion Sur and Cubcub in Mayantoc.

Chief Supt. Arturo G. Cacdac Jr., PRO3 director, quoted probers from the Mayantoc Municipal Police Station as saying the bridge must have given way due to the heavy load of the convoy of dump trucks.

Investigators said they are investigating the incident involving dump trucks operated by Royal Crown Tarlac Grand Construction Company which is owned by a certain Mitz Miranda, also a Tarlac City resident.