(PHOTO - Rescuers try to recover the bodies of workers hanging from a building under construction in Makati City — the financial district of Manila — on Thursday, January 27, 2011, after a gondola they were riding on snapped. (AFP))
MANILA, JANUARY 29, 2011 (BULLETIN) By ANNA LIZA T. VILLAS - At least 10 construction workers died Thursday on the eve of the day of mourning declared by the Makati city government in the wake of the tragic bus bombing that killed five passengers and injured 13 others last Tuesday.
The workers were killed when an electric gondola they were using while constructing the 39-story Eton Tower at the corner of Paseo de Roxas and Gallardo Streets gave way.
The management of Eton Properties Philippines, Inc., the building owner, expressed its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims as it offered "medical, funeral, and financial assistance."
"Our hearts go out to the victims' families. Eton Properties would like to assure the public that the company is doing all it can to ensure that Eton and its contractor extend all necessary assistance to the victims," Eton spokesperson Erwin de Pedro said.
Eight of the fatalities were identified as Joel Adecilla, Celso Mabuting, Michael Tatlonghari, Vincent Pinon, Rommel Perez, Kevin Mabunga, Jay-K Logado, and Jeffrey Diokado. All were declared dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Makati (OsMak), after sustaining multiple head and body injuries. William Ibañez and an unidentified worker expired at the Makati City Medical Center.
Dr. Perry Ishmael Peralta, OsMak medical director, said the victims suffered head trauma, blunt trauma, and multiple fractures that resulted in their death.
Another victim, Roel Perez, is still being revived at the said hospital. The doctor described Roel's condition as "stable but guarded."
"He is still under close monitoring. We cannot say, we hope that his condition will not deteriorate," said Peralta, adding that the victim has fractured right leg and right arm, and a blunt abdominal trauma.
Makati Mayor Jejomar "Junjun" Binay Jr. said the accident took place at about 11:45 a.m. while the workers, who were installing glass panels at the 32nd floor, were going down the building using the gondola.
As the gondola was going down, it collapsed on the 20th floor causing some of the worker to fall. The other workers fell on the 12th and 8th floors.
Binay said he has ordered a stop to the construction until Eton Properties could ensure the safety of the construction workers who belong to ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer. He also directed the engineering officers to conduct an inspection of the site.
"Later we want to know if there is someone responsible over the incident," the mayor stressed.
The construction of the building, under E-C Contractors, began in 2008 and expected to be finished early this year.
Makati fire chief, Superintendent Samuel Taddeo, said the electric gondola was carrying 11 workers when its capacity is only six persons.
"The gondola carrying the workers was overloaded. We found out that the cord was cut, may be because the workers were heavy. It gave away," he added.
"The workers lack complete safety gears as they were only wearing hardhats when found," said Taddeo.
De Pedro stressed that Eton places a premium on safety and enforces strict safety regulations in all its construction projects.
But due to the unfortunate incident, Eton is reviewing the compliance of its contractors, like ARLO Aluminum, and construction management consultant to these safety regulations.
"Eton, its contractors and construction management consultant are cooperating with police authorities and the city engineer's office as they investigate the cause of this accident. In the meantime, the company's priority is to ensure that the victims' families are informed and extended needed assistance by the contractor," De Pedro said.
Management said ARLO Aluminum has already engaged the services of St. Peter Memorial Chapels for the workers.
Meanwhile, Malacañang extended its condolences to the families of the victims.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they are saddened by the death of 10 construction workers but would leave to the authorities in Makati City to investigate the tragic incident.
"We express sympathy for the family of those who were killed. Nobody would like to that to happen even owners of the building," Lacierda told reporters in the Palace. (With a report from Genalyn D. Kabiling)
Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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