Skyway extension steel girder collapses in Muntinlupa; 1 dead, several hurt

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/11/21/skyway.jpg"/><figcaption><em>Photos from Norbertrey Dela Cerna</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA <strong>(UPDATE)</strong>— A steel girder for a portion of the Skyway extension under construction crashed onto passing vehicles Saturday morning, leaving at least one dead and 4 others hurt. </p><p>In a statement, Skyway contractor EEI Corporation said that at 8:50 a.m., &quot;a crane that was being positioned for its next task tilted and fell&quot; on the girder, which spans the length of two posts of the northbound lane of the Skyway extension project. </p><p>The girder fell onto passing vehicles on the East Service Road below in the area of Cupang in Muntinlupa, &quot;killing at least one&quot; and injuring 4 others, EEI said.</p><p>Those hit were brought to various hospitals, the company said. </p><p>Police counted at least 5 damaged vehicles: 1 taxi, a van and an AUV, and 2 motorcycles. </p><p>&quot;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,&quot; EEI said in a statement. </p><p>&quot;Our hearts and prayers go with the affected families. 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,&quot; it said.</p><div><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/posts/10159005014955168" data-width="auto"> </div><p>EEI said efforts are ongoing to clear the area to restore traffic flow, as the incident has caused vehicle buildup. </p><p>In a separate statement, San Miguel Corporation, concession holder of the Metro Manila Skyway, said it would pursue thorough investigation of the incident. </p><p>&quot;We deeply regret this unfortunate accident and ensure a full and thorough investigation. Our thoughts and concern are with the victims and we will make sure they will get all the help they need. Their welfare is our priority,&quot; SMC said. </p><p>It said the accident &quot;sets back&quot; completion of the Skyway extension project by two months. </p><p>&quot;From the December 2020 deadline, target completion is now February 2021,&quot; it said. </p><p>Meanwhile, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon called for an investigation into the incident.</p><p>&quot;To a layman’s observation, it appears to be a preventable accident. Definitely, the contractor will have to be held accountable to the loss of life, limb, and property,&quot; he said in a statement.</p><p>&quot;The appropriate authorities should immediately conduct the investigation and report out the findings.&quot;</p><p>He said Muntinlupa residents should be assured that there will be no repeat of such accident again.</p><p>&quot;We do not want to live under threat of being killed by falling debris and equipment. Let not the Skyway become a highway to heaven.&quot;</p><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VSgg1goSY_c?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>MANILA— A steel girder of a portion of the Skyway extension under construction crashed onto passing vehicles Saturday morning, leaving at least one dead and 3 others hurt. </p>

MANILA— A steel girder of a portion of the Skyway extension under construction crashed onto passing vehicles Saturday morning, leaving at least one dead and 3 others hurt.