Laborer dies in open sewer pit

MANILA, Philippines -  A laborer installing a sewer pipe at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Diliman, Quezon City died when he fell into an open pit Friday night.

Jonathan Sinangote and fellow laborer Juan Castillo were going down an open pit around 2.5 meters deep to install a sewer pipe and a concrete saddle when part of the pit’s walls collapsed, said PO3 Anthony Tejerero in a report.

Sinangote was buried underneath debris while Castillo was able to climb out of the pit, Tejerero said.

Sinangote and Castillo were identified as employees of E.I. Construction and Development Corp., a contractor hired by Manila Water to install a new sewer line along Emilio Jacinto street.

Castillo sought help from their foreman Antonio Capangpangan, who ordered backhoe operator Alejandro Ponce to extricate the victim, who was already dead when he was dug out.

According to other reports, the backhoe hit the victim in the face, killing him. Tejerero said Sinangote sustained severe head and neck injuries.