BAGUIO CITY – Two construction workers died after they were electrocuted when a thrust bar accidentally got in touch with the 23-kv primary line of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) located near a construction site along Guevarra St., West Modernsite here Wednesday morning.
Senior Superintendent George D. Daskeo, acting city director of the Baguio city Police Office, identified the fatalities as Zacarias Garcia Valdres Jr., 46, laborer, and a resident of West Modernsite, Baguio City, and German Espina Guinto, 53, laborer and a resident of Aurora Hill Proper, Baguio City.
Initial police investigation showed the victims were working in a building owned by Josefina Portuguez in the area when a long thrust bar accidentally got in touch with a 23-kv line that caused their being electrocuted.
Because of the impact of the electricity, Valdres was thrown out of the building and banged his head and body on the concrete pavement while Quinto was left inside the structure.
It was learned that the construction of the building was not issued the appropriate building permit by the City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO).
The victims were rushed by responding police operatives and rescuers to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for medical treatment but they were pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians.
The case is still subject to further investigation by concerned police operatives.
By Dexter A. See