Site of the unfortunate incident (GMA Network courtesy)
Tragedy struck as a wall crumbled within the premises of Quezon City Hall, resulting in the unfortunate demise of a construction worker and injuries sustained by three others. The incident, which transpired late on Thursday evening, was confirmed by a municipal official on Friday.
Engelbert Apostol, at the helm of the Public Affairs and Information Service Department (PAISD), said the incident happened around 10:09 p.m. at a construction site situated within the Civic Center B Building.
Director BGen. Nicolas Torre 3rd of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) promptly dispatched a team of investigators to the location. He instructed them to collaborate closely with local government authorities concerned, focusing on potential violations of building codes.
“We will ascertain the specifics during the investigative process; however, it is certain that someone will be held responsible, whether under criminal or civil terms,” he stated during an interaction with journalists.
According to preliminary accounts from the Bureau of Fire Protection, the sole fatality became trapped amidst the fallen wall. Rescue efforts succeeded in extracting the individual from the debris. He was swiftly transported to the nearest medical facility, where regrettably, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Apostol emphasized that the engineering department, in conjunction with the QCPD, will conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The collapsed wall was situated in proximity to the intended location of a scenic elevator, as per Apostol.
“Our current priority is to promptly administer appropriate medical care to the injured construction personnel,” declared Apostol. He added that an official report from City Hall detailing the incident would be issued within the day. (ai/mnm)
