By Eva Visperas
MANAOAG—FOUR vehicles were damaged after an acacia tree suddenly collapsed at the vehicle blessing area of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, near Gate 5, shortly after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, pinning down four cars about to be blessed.
According to initial reports posted on Municipality of Manaoag Facebook page, vehicle owners were preparing to have their cars blessed when the tree unexpectedly fell, crushing several vehicles parked under it. A commuter van and a newly purchased SUV sustained severe damage, while two other SUVs incurred minor damage.
Personnel from the Manaoag Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office immediately responded to the incident. The teams worked together to secure the area, ensure public safety, and conduct clearing operations.
Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario visited the site to assess the situation and coordinate assistance for the affected vehicle owners. Officials from the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag also reached out to those involved and assured them of support following the incident.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were reported.
An investigation into the cause of the tree’s collapse is ongoing..