NOTE: The photo above was taken back in March 2025.
After almost three months, another overheight truck has crashed into the Marilao Interchange Bridge on NLEX. You may recall the first crash that took place in March earlier this year, which caused about a week of partially closed lanes due to construction repairs.
This second crash occurred yesterday, June 18, and the NLEX Corporation reopened all four lanes within hours after the accident. However, this turned out to be much more severe, after it claimed the life of an individual while injuring others, including a two-year-old infant. The Department of Transportation has ordered the NLEX Corporation to extend assistance to those affected, including the family of the deceased.
Moreover, the DOTr has also directed the NLEX Corporation to explain how a second overheight truck managed to get on the expressway and subsequently crash into the Marilao Interchange Bridge.
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NLEX Corporation was also ordered to suspend toll collection until everything has been sorted out, but at the time of writing, the tollway operator has yet to comment on that.
In its official statement, however, NLEX Corporation did acknowledge the incident as well as the DOTr’s concerns. You can read parts of the statement below:
“The safety and well-being of our motorists is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the Department of Transportation, the Toll Regulatory Board, and the Philippine National Police to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident. We are committed to ensuring that appropriate measures are taken moving forward.
“We are truly saddened by this incident, and our hearts go out to all those affected and their families during this difficult time. We commit our support and assistance as they navigate through this challenging situation.
“Our company has implemented numerous measures to enhance security and strengthen enforcement against vehicles who violate regulations. Notwithstanding our continuing apprehension of vehicles which violate height limits, there are still vehicles which recklessly ignore the numerous signage that clearly indicate the bridge’s height limit.”
The northbound side of the Marilao Interchange had just undergone repairs, while the westbound bridge towards MacArthur Highway is still being worked on. Unlike the first crash, it looks like there is no structural damage to the bridge this time around.
Hopefully, the NLEX Corporation and the DOTr can clear the air on how illegal trucks enter major thoroughfares, and conclude with what road safety agencies and truck operators can do to finally end crashes like these.
