The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday that NLEX Corporation will be held accountable for the latest truck accident at the Marilao Interchange Bridge, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries.
A 54-year-old passenger was killed on Wednesday after a trailer truck struck the bridge’s beam, causing debris to fall on an Asian utility vehicle. A two-year-old child was among the injured.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized NLEX’s responsibility, pointing out that the truck passed through the Meycauayan exit undetected despite height restrictions. “This is NLEX’s fault,” he said in a radio interview. “The truck was too tall but still managed to enter. That should not have happened.”
Dizon directed the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to hold NLEX liable and said he would recommend toll fee waivers for motorists affected by the resulting traffic. “If commuters are again disrupted because of this, we will make tolls free in the affected area,” he added.
This incident comes just three months after another tall truck damaged the same bridge, prompting serious traffic congestion. In that previous case, NLEX also filed charges against the truck driver and owner.
The latest truck driver, now in police custody, claimed he was unaware of any height issues since he had regularly used the same route. He faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries, and property damage.
As of this report, NLEX Corp. has not yet issued an official statement.