A roadside accident in Barangay Sto. Niño, Busuanga, Palawan drew widespread public reaction after a damaged concrete barrier was found to contain gravel-filled sacks instead of solid cement.
The incident occurred after a jeep lost control while navigating a curved section of a zigzag road and crashed into a roadside barrier before falling into a ravine.
Authorities said four passengers were injured in the accident and were immediately taken to a hospital for initial treatment.
The crash gained attention online after it was discovered that the roadside barrier struck by the jeep was not made of solid concrete. Instead, sacks filled with gravel were reportedly found inside the structure.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st District Engineering Office responded to the viral issue involving the barrier discovered at the site.
In an interview with Brigada News, Engr. Dhevie Madarcos, spokesperson of the DPWH 1st District Engineering Office, said the road project identified as the “Concreting Rehabilitation of Coron-Busuanga Road KM 30 to KM 32, Busuanga, Palawan” was completed in 2012.
Madarcos said the contractor responsible for the project was A.L. Salazar Construction Incorporated, a company based in Manila.
The DPWH 1st District Engineering Office expressed disappointment over the discovery of the materials used inside the roadside wheel guard.
Officials said the office will pursue action against the contractor and conduct a thorough investigation into the possible negligence of the project engineer involved in the project.
