A garbage truck owned by Barangay San Nicolas in Cebu City collided with a concrete electric post in Barangay Polog, Consolacion, in the early hours of Saturday, February 21, 2026. The incident, which involved a truck with plate number JAK 7429, occurred as the vehicle was en route to dispose of collected waste at the Polog Landfill.
Details of the Accident
The crash resulted from a sudden brake failure, according to initial reports. The truck, which was carrying a heavy load of garbage, lost braking power abruptly while preparing to enter the landfill site. This led to the vehicle veering off course and striking a parked motorcycle and a roadside store, causing significant damage to both properties.
Injuries and Response
Fortunately, the injuries sustained were minor. The driver of the truck suffered only a bruise on the forehead from the impact, while the assistant quickly jumped out to safety. Barangay San Nicolas Captain Clifford Jude Niñal explained that the truck operates on an air brake system, which can lose functionality if the vehicle remains on standby for extended periods, depleting the air supply and compromising wheel grip.
Rescue and Cleanup Efforts
Rescue operations faced delays as authorities awaited clearance from Visayan Electric due to the involvement of the electric post. By Sunday afternoon, the garbage truck was fully recovered after the Cebu City government dispatched equipment to tow it away. In the meantime, the Department of Public Services sent another garbage truck to transfer the collected waste, ensuring it was properly disposed of at the Polog landfill.
This incident highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, especially for heavy-duty trucks used in waste management, to prevent similar accidents in the future.
