2 workers killed in Las Piñas excavation collapse

MJ Farrley Ong

Two construction workers died after an excavation site for a Maynilad water infrastructure project collapsed in Barangay Pamplona Dos, Las Piñas City, on Sunday afternoon, prompting an investigation into the incident and renewed questions over the safety of the workers.

The collapse occurred at around 2.50 p.m. along Aquarius Street in Pamplona Park Subdivision, where workers were conducting an excavation for a water pipeline project.

According to the Las Piñas Police, the excavation site, estimated to be 18 meters deep, suddenly caved in, trapping several workers underneath soil and debris.

Initial reports showed that seven workers were at the site when the collapse happened. Four managed to escape, while another worker sustained injuries and was later brought to the hospital. The remaining two workers were retrieved and declared dead by authorities. 

Rescue and retrieval operations were conducted by personnel from the Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Police have since sealed off the excavation area while authorities continue their investigation into the collapse. 

In a statement, Maynilad Water Services, Inc, confirmed that the accident occurred at one of its project sites and expressed their sympathies to the victims’ families.

“Our thoughts are with the workers and their families during this difficult time,” the company said. 

Maynilad added that work at the site has been suspended and that it is coordinating with its contractor to extend assistance to the affected workers and their families.

The company also said it is fully cooperating with the authorities during the investigation.

Family members of the victims, however, questioned the safety measures implemented at the excavation site.

The live-in partner of one of the deceased workers said she was informed of the incident hours after it had occurred and called for an investigation into the project’s safety protocols.

She recalled that her partner had previously expressed concerns about the dangerous working conditions, saying the workers lacked even basic safety equipment that could have helped them during the incident.

Meanwhile, the uncle of another victim, who is also a civil engineer, said he was surprised upon learning that the excavation had reached a depth of 14 to 15 meters.

He also criticized the lack of information provided to the victims’ families following the tragedy.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the incident as investigations continue.