Section of Aquino Bridge in Tarlac collapses during monsoon rains

The middle section of the Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City collapsed shortly before midnight on Friday, August 28, following heavy precipitation brought by the southwest monsoon system. The structure, which serves as a key transport link in the city, failed as rainfall intensified across the region.

Tarlac was placed under red rainfall warning status by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Friday, indicating dangerous weather conditions and heightened flood risk. The southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, had been battering the region with sustained heavy rains throughout the day.

The bridge collapse marks a significant infrastructure emergency for the city, which relies on the structure to connect key areas. Authorities have yet to release detailed assessments of the damage or estimates of repair timelines. The incident underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in regional infrastructure amid increasingly severe weather patterns.

Officials did not immediately confirm whether there were casualties from the collapse or provide information on alternative routes for residents and travelers. The NDRRMC and local government agencies are expected to conduct further investigation into the structural failure.