DOTr suspends toll collection in Marilao NB segment of Nlex

A girder from the Marilao Bridge collapsed onto a red Mitsubishi Adventure on the NLEX northbound lane, killing one passenger and injuring six others on Wednesday (June 18). The girder fell after an oversized truck hit the underside of the bridge. (Photo courtesy of Marilao Police)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said toll collection in the Marilao northbound segment of the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) has been suspended after a container truck struck the underside of the Marilao Bridge.

According to the DOTr, it directed the Nlex Corporation to immediately suspend toll collection following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to ensure that motorists and commuters would not be affected by the incident.

READ: NLEx accident: 1 dead, 6 injured as girder falls on vehicle

“The DOTr is asking for the understanding of our motorists and commuters regarding this incident. The agency is expediting the repair of the affected infrastructure to quickly and efficiently improve traffic flow in the area,” the DOTr said in Filipino in a statement.

The accident occurred on Wednesday when a container truck struck the underside of the Marilao Bridge along the northbound lane of Nlex, which resulted in a girder falling and crushing a vehicle passing below.

One passenger was killed, while six others were injured.

The DOTr said the Nlex Corp. has already been directed to extend the necessary assistance to the family of the deceased victim, as well as to the other injured passengers.

The department also ordered Nlex Corp to explain “the seemingly lack of oversight” after a similar incident happened barely three months ago. /jpv