The holiday rush, construction of Abacan Bypass Roadway, and multiple vehicular accidents that occurred all over the city had triggered an 18-hour traffic congestion on Thursday.
Kiko Pangilinan, OIC of the Angeles City Traffic Division Office (ACTDO), said multiple vehicular accidents had caused the humongous traffic along the historic McArthur Highway from Dau, Mabalacat City up to the boundary of Angeles City and San Fernando, from 7am up to 1am the next day.
This as Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. fielded more traffic personnel and emergency personnel to respond to emergencies due to the holiday rush.
Angeles City plays host to SM Clark while SM Telabastagan is located between Angeles City and Brgy Telabastagan in the City of San Fernando. The influx of shoppers in both malls and the volume of traffic triggered the traffic congestion within Angeles City particularly the business district of the city.
“We would like to inform the public that road accidents occurred yesterday between 7am and 1am the next day,” according to Pangilinan.
Pangilinan said the closure of the Abacan bypass road due to ongoing DPWH construction, scheduled from December 6 to January 6, “has also significantly affected traffic flow, as no alternative routes are available.”
“Additionally, the simultaneous Christmas parties caused a substantial increase in vehicle volume, while the holiday rush led to more residents being on the roads for shopping and preparations.
“Kami po ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa abalang dulot ng mabigat na trapiko.
In the coming days, we anticipate that traffic congestion will continue, particularly as the holiday season brings more events and shopping activities.
“Ngayong Holiday Season, nakikiusap po kami sa publiko na pairalin ang pang-unawa, pasensya, disiplina, at kooperasyon upang makatulong sa pag-agapay ng daloy ng trapiko.”
The traffic accidents occurred in the following areas:
Morning:
1. 7:18 AM – Friendship Highway: Tricycle and private vehicle
2. 8:16 AM – Diegs Rotonda, Barangay Sto. Cristo Vehicle-to-vehicle collision
3. 10:33 AM – Sto. Cristo: Fire incident (Fire out by 10:56 AM)
4. 10:36 AM – In front of La Pieta, Barangay Pulungbulu: Tricycle and private vehicle
Afternoon:
1. 1:06 PM – In front of Saver’s Mall, Barangay Balibago: Two single motorcycles (self-accident)
2. 1:48 PM – Barangay Balibago Roundabout: Self-accident (single vehicle)
3. 2:38 PM – Barangay Balibago Roundabout: Two single motorcycles (collision)
4. 3:21 PM – Barangay Malabanias Road: Single motorcycle (self-accident)
Evening:
1. 5:46 PM – Fields Avenue, Barangay Balibago: Motorcycle and private vehicle
2. 6:01 PM – Diegs Rotonda, Barangay Sto. Rosario: Motorcycle and private vehicle
3. 8:36 PM – Marquee Rotonda, Barangay Pulung Maragul: Tricycle and private vehicle
4. 11:30 PM – Balibago: Single vehicle and private vehicle collision
5. 1:00 AM – In front of Saver’s Mall, Barangay Balibago: Two single motorcycles (self-accident)