BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO
Two construction workers were killed after being buried in a collapsed trench while working on a drainage project in Barangay Balacad on March 12.
According to the Laoag City Police, the workers were digging a canal at around 1:30 p.m. when the soil suddenly caved in, trapping them under more than two meters of dirt.
A third worker, a 36-year-old man, was rescued and rushed to the hospital, but his two colleagues, aged 41 and 32, were buried deeper and took nearly an hour to retrieve.
They were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Investigators determined that water from the drainage weakened the soil, leading to the collapse.
Authorities ruled out foul play and classified the incident as an accident.
Following the tragedy, police and local officials have begun inspecting other construction sites in the city to prevent similar incidents.
“We are conducting barangay visitations and awareness campaigns to remind communities and contractors of safety measures in excavation projects,” said Police Captain Rogeline Ibe of the Laoag City Police.
The construction company responsible for the project has assured financial and other forms of assistance to the victims’ families.
