Construction worker pinned to death in Benguet building collapse

July 27, 2022 JUST IN

BAGUIO CITY (July 27, 2022)— A construction worker was pinned to death when a building being constructed collapsed as the ground shook Tuesday morning at Central Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet.
This strong magnitude of 7.3 jolted Lagangilang, Abra, the earthquake epicenter, at around 8:43 am sending most residents into panic.
The earthquake was also felt in Baguio City and Benguet measured at 6.0 magnitude lasting for around 30 seconds.
Construction worker Aron Cul-eteng, 25, a native of Pilapil, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur but temporarily living at Pinsao Pilot barangay in Baguio City was already at his work station when the ground shook that sent the building to its knees.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, and Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas suspended work in all government offices and classes in the schools to pave way for the assessment of damages in the government establishments and other infrastructures and the whole situation of their areas of responsibility.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Cordillera alerted all Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices and Councils of the different Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region to conduct necessary assessment steps and rescue operations as well as needed assistance.
The management of some business and private establishments in Baguio City decided also to suspend operations and send their employees home.
All the hospitals in Baguio City and Benguet send their wards outside the buildings and also temporarily suspended services while ensuring the safety of the structures.
Several buildings were also reported damaged in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Even the Spanish houses in the heritage village of the city were not spared while the famous Bantay Tower in Bantay, Ilocos Sur was also heavily damaged.
Artemio A. Dumlao