Construction worker electrocuted while setting up fan in Compostela

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 25-year-old construction worker from Cebu City died after he was electrocuted while trying to retrieve an extension wire to power an electric fan at a construction site in Compostela, northern Cebu, on Thursday, July 2.

The victim, identified by police as Rhenell Andogan Daclan, was married and a resident of Sitio Liberty, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City.

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A report from Compostela Municipal Police Station said the incident happened at around 12:02 p.m. in Sitio Cornerian, Barangay Cogon.

Daclan was rushed by his co-workers to Danao City District Hospital, where the attending physician declared him dead due to electrocution.

Extension wire snaps

Police investigation showed Daclan had paused construction work to take lunch at a bunkhouse within the project site.

Before eating, however, he decided to retrieve an extension wire that was being used by a co-worker so he could use it to power his ceiling fan.

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Investigators said Daclan, who was barefoot at the time, stepped onto a makeshift galvanized steel ladder and instinctively pulled the extension wire.

The force caused the wire to snap, police said.

Authorities said the cut live electrical wire came in contact with the galvanized steel ladder while Daclan was still holding it, allowing the electric current to travel through the metal ladder and into his body.

He sustained burns from the electrocution and immediately lost consciousness.

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Co-workers rush to help

Witnesses told investigators they immediately switched off the circuit breaker after realizing what had happened before rushing to help Daclan.

They pulled him away from the source of electricity and brought him to Danao City District Hospital for emergency treatment.

Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead by the attending physician.

Autopsy waived

Following the incident, personnel of Compostela Municipal Police Station requested the victim’s supervisor and family to allow an autopsy to be conducted.

However, police said both declined and formally waived the examination.

As of this writing, the victim’s remains have been turned over to his family as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

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