Piggatan Bridge in Cagayan Collapses Under Weight of Overloaded Trucks

The Piggatan Bridge, a vital link in the municipality of Alcala, Cagayan, collapsed on Monday afternoon, October 6, 2025, leaving multiple ten-wheeler trucks stranded and forcing the closure of a major transportation route. The collapse is being attributed to several overloaded trucks crossing the bridge simultaneously.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m., a time when many residents were returning home from work. Preliminary findings from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) indicate that three trucks, each estimated to weigh around 50 tons, were on the bridge when it gave way. The bridge had a posted weight limit of 18 tons.

The collapse of the 74.70-meter steel bridge has caused significant disruption to the region’s transportation network. The bridge connects the northern barangays of Alcala to the town proper and serves as a key route to Tuguegarao City. Motorists are now being forced to take lengthy detours through the towns of Gattaran, Baggao, or Peñablanca, which could add several hours to their travel time.

Authorities, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Alcala, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, responded to the scene to conduct rescue and clearing operations. No injuries have been reported so far.

The DPWH has dispatched a team to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and will provide recommendations based on their findings. The Piggatan Bridge, built in 1974, was reported to be in good overall condition as of October 2024. This is the second bridge to collapse in the Cagayan Valley region this year, raising concerns about infrastructure safety.