Manila, Oct. 7 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) dispatched a team that will assess the damage of the collapsed Piggatan Bridge along Cagayan Valley Road in Piggatan, Alcala, Cagayan on Monday night.

In a statement, DPWH Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the department would provide a recommendation based on the assessment results.

Preliminary findings show that three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, were on the bridge on Monday, exceeding its 18-ton capacity, which seems to have caused the structure to collapse, causing them to plunge.

"In the meantime, we urge the public to avoid the area and use official alternate routes," the statement read.

Initial reports said the seven people injured were...