Baguio city: Installing warning signs along a steep part of Suello Road in this city is being eyed as an urgent temporary measure after last week's deadly accident. Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in an interview Monday, said based on recommendations from the City Engineering Office (CEO), immediate actions include installing warning signs, temporary reflective tarpaulins, reflectorized road markings, rumble strips, and speed humps before the road's critical section.
According to Philippines News Agency, on March 6, a truck loaded with cattle figured in an accident along Suello Road near Gate 2 of Pinewoods Subdivision in Barangay Asin Road. Two people died and another was injured after the truck hit a vehicle in front of it, crashed into a concrete railing, and overturned.
Magalong directed the CEO to hold an emergency meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways - District Engineering Office and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) to draft plans and recommendations for the area. 'This is an urgent matter, a safety issue, we must have short- and long-term solutions,' he said.
Magalong said the recommendations were discussed during a joint meeting following the recent accident, which also killed five cows grazing near the crash site. He said concerned agencies are coordinating to identify safety improvements, including road engineering measures and stricter traffic enforcement along the route frequently used by heavily loaded trucks traveling between the city and nearby Benguet towns.
'Nakakalungkot na meron na naman na aksidente at nawalan ng buhay sa area na iyon (It is saddening that another accident at the same area has caused the lives of two persons). We need to act immediately before something happens again while studying the permanent solution to stop the occurrence of accident there,' he said.
Magalong said revising the road's contour is being considered as a long-term solution. Records from the BCPO show 184 vehicular accidents in the city from January to present. The BCPO said most accidents occurred along Asin Road, Marcoville, and Session Road.
