Thursday’s Edsa traffic build-up due to several road accidents — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Several accidents were reported along the long stretch of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) on Thursday, causing traffic build-up in many areas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported.

According to the MMDA, a vehicular accident involving two buses was reported along Edsa Buendia as early as 8:56 a.m.

Less than ten minutes later, another vehicular accident involving an SUV and a car was reported along Edsa Santolan, followed by a minor collision between a bus and an AUV along Edsa Boni around 2:16 p.m.

Another accident involving a car and a taxi was reported around 3:32 p.m. along Edsa Guadalupe.

These accidents led to traffic build-up, which MMDA traffic chief Bong Nebrija called as a waste of time for those stuck in traffic.

“Sa lahat po ng motorista natin, mag-ingat po tayo. Ang laking abala at perwisyo kappas nagkaroon ng aksidente sa EDSA — personal time tsaka sa orasng bang taong dumadaan diyan (Our motorists should be careful. Accidents on Edsa cause massive inconvenience for everyone),” Nebrija told INQUIRER.net.

Nebrija said many accidents are caused by swerving vehicles and buses who rush to get more passengers.

“Eyes on the road, stay in your lane, follow traffic rules and regulations because, with that, you can never go wrong,” Nebrija said.

“Hindi naman po karerahan ang Edsa (Edsa is not a racetrack),” he added.

Nebrija said the MMDA implements rules and conducts meetings with transport groups to help address traffic problems not only in Edsa but in Metro Manila.

“We talk to them. We conduct road safety measures,” he said.

Traffic situation

As of 4:50 p.m. the traffic situation remains moderate to heavy along most parts of the highway.

In the northbound lane, heavy traffic was observed along Taft Avenue, Arnaiz-Pasay Road, Ayala Avenue, Buendia, Estrella, Orense, Guadalupe, Boni, Reliance, Shaw Boulevard, P. Tuazon, Farmers, Aurora Boulevard, Monte De Piedad, and Trinoma.

Along the southbound lane, heavy traffic was reported along North Avenue, Kamuning, Nepa Q-Mart, Monte de Piedad, Aurora Boulevard, Farmers, P. Tuazon, Main Avenue, Santolan, Whiteplains, Megamall, Shaw Boulevard, Reliance, Guadalupe, Orense, Estrella, Buendia, Ayala Avenue, Arnaiz-Pasay Road, Malibay, Tramo, and Taft Avenue.

Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid being stuck in traffic. (Editor: Eden Estopace)