KABANKALAN CITY, Negros Occidental – The annual fluvial parade of the Sinulog Festival in this city was marred by tragedy when a portion of a hanging bridge snapped, sending some of the spectators into the Camugao River early morning on Sunday.
Eight victims who sustained major injuries, including four minors, were immediately rushed to the hospital while those who sustained minor injuries were treated beside the river.
One of the victims is a five month-old baby and was rushed to a private hospital nearby.
The Kabankalan City Rescue Unit, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Philippine Coast Guard and local police helped in the rescue operation. The Ilog Rescue unit from the nearby municipality volunteered to help in rescuing the victims.
The incident occured around 7 a.m. when the 20-meter-high hanging bridge snapped as the colorfully decorated boats carrying the image of Señor Sto. Niño passed by Sitio Camugao in Barangay 6.
Some of the participants of the procession decided to stay upon seeing some persons hanging onto the bridge to be able to extend help while waiting for the rescue team to arrive.
Mayor Pedro Zayco said the city government will give assistance to all the victims who were brought to the
Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in the city.
The mayor also ordered the closure of the 30-year old bridge.
He added that there is a new bridge, accommodating vehicles, that the people could use. It was inaugurated two years ago.
He expressed hope that no similar incident will happen in the future.