By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Rescue teams recovered the remains of two construction workers Monday morning after they were trapped when a deep road excavation collapsed at a wastewater infrastructure project in Las Piñas City, authorities said.
The victims were retrieved at around 6:30 a.m., nearly a day after the accident occurred at a construction site along Aquarius Street corner Libra Street in Barangay Pamplona Dos, according to Las Piñas City Police Assistant Chief for Operations PLTCOL Teoson Rosarito.
Rosarito said five workers were inside the excavation, estimated to be about 18 meters deep, when a section of the pit suddenly gave way at around 2:52 p.m. Sunday.
Two workers managed to escape unharmed, while another sustained injuries and was taken for medical treatment. The remaining two workers were buried beneath the collapsed earth and were later declared dead after their bodies were recovered.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse, with investigators continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The construction site is part of Maynilad Water Services Inc.’s wastewater pumping facility under the Las Piñas Conveyance System Package 2, a major wastewater conveyance project.
Rosarito said investigators are looking into possible liabilities arising from the tragedy, noting that the deaths and injuries could result in legal accountability depending on the findings of the investigation.
“There is possible liability because people were injured and lives were lost. That will ultimately depend on the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
In a statement, Maynilad expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and said it is fully cooperating with government authorities while conducting its own review together with its contractor.
The company also announced the suspension of all work at the project site pending the investigation.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. Our immediate priority is to provide assistance to the affected families while fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation,” Maynilad said.
Government investigators are expected to determine whether safety protocols were properly observed and whether any violations contributed to the fatal collapse.
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