Six electrocuted while working on septic tank in Sorsogon

Six people were killed and two others were injured after being electrocuted while working on a septic tank in Sorsogon City in the Bicol Region on Monday, police said. In a text message sent to reporters Tuesday, Philippine National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said one of the survivors was working on a septic tank in his backyard when the electrical wiring there short-circuited. Citing initial reports reaching him, Cruz identified the fatalities as Gilbert Janaban, 18; Arnel Janaban, 26; Ronald Macapagal, 21; Jose Macapagal, 64; Leopoldo Roldan; and Sadam Roldan. In 50/50 condition were Eric Janaban and Benito Jintalan, Cruz said. The incident occurred at 5 p.m. Monday in Kimontod, Guinlajon village in Sorsogon City. An initial investigation showed that Jintalan was removing a construction frame for a newly constructed septic tank in his backyard with a lighted electrical bulb, but the electrical wiring short-circuited on the ground, electrocuting him. The other victims tried to help him but were also electrocuted. Only Jintalan and Eric survived. A separate report on dzRH radio said Jintalan was working on a deep well when he was grounded by water supposedly exposed to a live electric wire. He called for help, prompting the other victims to come to his aid. The dzRH report said the local electric cooperative is investigating the possibility that the exposed live wire could have been due to jumpers or illegal electrical connections in the victims' neighborhood. — RSJ, GMANews.TV