A steel girder fell from the ongoing construction at Skyway extension project Saturday in Muntinlupa City, killing a person and injuring at least four others.
The incident at 8:50 a.m. along the East Service Road in Barangay Cupang also damaged at least six vehicles, including three cars and two motorcycles, and caused heavy traffic in Sucat, Bicutan, and along the northbound lane of South Luzon Expressway for at least one hour.
San Miguel Corp., which operates the Skyway, said in a statement: “We deeply regret this unfortunate accident and assure a full and thorough investigation. Our thoughts and concerns are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority.”
San Miguel also said that after initial assessment, “this unfortunate incident sets back the completion of the Skyway Extension Project” from the December 2020 deadline to February 2021.
“At 8:50 this morning, a crane that was being positioned for its next task tilted and fell on the girder spanning the two posts of the northbound Skyway extension project,” Skyway contractor EEI Corporation said in a statement.
It said the girder fell on vehicles below, killing at least one and injuring at least four persons who were rushed by ambulances from the Skyway O&M Corporation and EEI to hospitals.
It said: “We are monitoring the progress of the injured and are trying to get in touch with their next of kin for proper coordination and to extend any assistance they may need. Our hearts and prayers go with the affected families. “
The construction firm also said “this is an unfortunate and heart-breaking accident that must not happen again. We will review immediately our safety and operating protocols as we build a strategic infrastructure for the public’s convenience.”
Those injured were rushed to the nearby Asian Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities ordered the immediate closure of both south and northbound lanes of the East Service Road (Alabang-Sucat) to vehicular traffic after the incident.
Motorists were advised to take alternate routes via West Service Road, Alabang-Zapote, and M.L. Quezon (Baybayin).
In a separate statement, the Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corp. said they were also investigating the incident
“We deeply regret the unfortunate accident and assure a full and thorough investigation. Our thoughts and concerns are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority.”
