Saturday, September 26, 2015

1 Dead, 5 Injured In Baguio City Building Demolition Accident

A construction worker died while five others were injured when a concrete wall collapsed over them at a building demolition site in Baguio City on Saturday morning (September 26). The workers were reportedly demolishing the old Burnham Hotel along Calderon Street when a concrete wall gave out and crashed over them.

The lone fatality was identified as Ryan Bangsilan (25 years old). Those injured were William Flores (in critical condition), Jimboy De Guzman Paraiso (21), Jordan Francisco (19), Jonel Francisco Aquino (19), and Robert Alviar (49). A backhoe had to be used to break up the fallen concrete wall before rescuers, police operatives, and volunteers were able to get to the pinned workers. They were all rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

A passenger jeepney and a taxi also incurred damages due to the incident. No driver or passenger were reported to have been hurt. The building being demolished is reportedly owned by Alfonso Lao, a member of the Lao family. The Lao family owns and runs the Tiong San store chain in the city and nearby La Trinidad.
Members of the rescue team going through the rubble. Photo courtesy of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).