Speeding van crashes into Jones Bridge railings; foreign-looking driver detained

• A speeding van destroyed several metal railings on Jones Bridge at 3:00 AM Tuesday, the second crash on the bridge in just two days
• The driver, an Asian foreign national, was detained by Manila police after responders reported a strong smell of alcohol on his breath
• Miraculously, no injuries were reported despite the heavy damage to the vehicle's front end and the bridge's pedestrian barriers
• Manila authorities warn of the high risk to night-time joggers and tourists as they prepare a bill for the repair of the city property

A pre-dawn vehicular accident at the historic Jones Bridge in Manila left city property damaged and motorists concerned about a recent string of crashes on the iconic structure.

In the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a van traveling at high speed plowed into the bridge's sidewalk railings, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours.

Witness accounts and police reports indicate that the van was heading toward the Binondo district around 3:00 AM when the driver suddenly lost control.

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A security guard stationed nearby noted that the vehicle appeared to be traveling at excessive speed before swerving sharply and slamming into the ornate metal barriers.

The impact was severe enough to dislodge and shatter one of the three metal barriers, sending debris across the walkway.

While the van’s front end and right side were heavily crushed, the driver miraculously escaped without major injuries.

Responding officers from the Manila Police District noted a strong scent of alcohol emanating from the driver, whom they described as a male foreign national of Asian descent.

He was immediately taken into custody for further investigation and medical testing to confirm if he was driving under the influence (DUI).

The Manila city government is expected to demand full restitution from the driver to cover the costs of repairing the destroyed heritage-style railings.

This crash has intensified public alarm regarding road safety on the bridge. Just the night prior, another van struck railings on the opposite side of the bridge, leaving them severely bent and requiring temporary wire reinforcements.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to motorists, reminding them that Jones Bridge is a popular spot for late-night joggers and sightseers.

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"Ang mga insidenteng ito ay lubhang mapanganib dahil maraming naglalakad sa bangketa kahit na sa mga oras na wala nang trabaho," a local official remarked.

While the wreckage was cleared by daybreak to allow normal traffic flow, engineers estimate it may take several days to permanently replace the damaged heritage metalwork.

In other news, a 33-year-old man, reportedly struggling with mental health challenges, was fatally shot on January 19, 2026, during a confrontation with a security guard at the Kabankalan New Public Market. The deadly altercation allegedly began when the guard confronted the victim for interfering with the market's primary electrical controls, leading to a heated pursuit and subsequent gunfire. Following the shooting, the 35-year-old security officer surrendered peacefully to the Kabankalan City Police, handing over his 9mm service weapon for forensic examination. Despite being rushed to the Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital, the victim was declared dead on arrival, and police have since cordoned off the market site to gather ballistic evidence.

Still in other news, a seven-year-old girl lost her life on January 16, 2026, in Barangay Uso, Suyo, after being accidentally struck and run over by a passing pickup truck along the national highway. The tragedy occurred just after the child and her mother stepped off a tricycle; the young victim unexpectedly darted into the path of the vehicle while her mother was preoccupied with their belongings. The 38-year-old motorist from Benguet, who was reportedly traveling to find a hog for a relative's wake, remained at the scene to provide aid and is currently cooperating with the Suyo Municipal Police. Following the incident, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) summoned the driver, while authorities issued a stern reminder to parents to maintain strict supervision of minors near busy provincial roads.

Source: KAMI.com.gh