Telephone post in Sta. Cruz, Manila falls due to passing truck; road closed

A passing truck dragged down a telephone post on Ronquillo Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Saturday, blocking the road. 

Multiple wires could be seen dangling from the post hanging dangerously low.

Authorities temporarily closed the affected area to motorists as workers tried to clear the road. This led to a bottleneck at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Ronquillo Street.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on ''24 Oras Weekend,'' the incident became an inconvenience not just to motorists but also to nearby business establishments.

“Walang customer. Walang mga sasakyan na dumadaan dito. Doon lang naman kami umaasa sa mga customer na nagpa-park dito, eh wala,” said businesswoman Jona Sarino.

(There are no customers and cars passing by. We are just relying on customers who park here, but they can’t be here right now.) 

The Manila Police District proceeded to the site to provide assistance.

The truck driver is already under the custody of the Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit. He assured that he would take responsibility for the damages. 

“May iniwasan po akong lubak. Ngayon po, hindi ko po napasin yung kuryente sumabit. Nakwan ko na lang po na may pumutok sa taas,” the driver said. “Pasensya na po sa laking abala, hindi ko po sinasadya.” 

(I was avoiding a pit. But I did not notice that the wires had hung up. I was just shocked that something exploded. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience I’ve done, I did not mean it.) 

Meanwhile, Barangay 303 Zone 29 Chairman Ariel Sierda asked truck drivers to be careful next time given that the area is a commercial zone. 

Telecommunications company PLDT said they own the damaged post and vowed to replace it as soon as possible.

“Kasalukuyang inaaksyunan na ng aming teams ang agarang pagpalit ng nasabing poste at pag-restore ng connectivity,” said PLDT Head of Corporate Communications Cathy Yang. 

(Our teams are already working on replacing the post and restoring connectivity.) —with Vince Angelo Ferreras/KG/VBL, GMA Integrated News