10 killed in Makati construction accident

(Updated 3:52 p.m.) Ten construction workers fell to their deaths in an accident at the construction site of a residential condominium in Makati City before noon Thursday, a GMA Flash Report said quoting the Makati Bureau of Fire Protection. The television report said nine of the victims were brought to the Ospital ng Makati and one was brought to the Makati Medical Center. Another victim was in "stable but guarded condition" at the Ospital ng Makati. Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., who went to the scene, immediately ordered a full investigation on the accident at the Eton Residences Greenbelt building along Paseo Gallardo in Barangay San Lorenzo, Legaspi Village. Construction of the 39-storey premium residential condominium is suspended pending the results of the investigation, he said. “I already instructed (the) stoppage of construction work in that building (at) tukuyin ano ang naging sanhi ng aksidente (and determined what caused the accident)," Binay said at a press conference aired over radio dzBB. Meanwhile, Malacañang extended its condolences to the families of the 10 fatalities. "We express sympathy to those who were tragically killed in the accident. Nobody would like an accident like this to happen even the owners of the building," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview with Malacañang reporters. Makati City police chief Senior Superintendent Froilan Bonifacio, citing reports reaching him, said the workers fell from as high as the 34th floor to the seventh floor after the gondola or service elevator carrying them collapsed. He said the workers were installing a glass panel at the time of the accident. The GMA Flash Report said investigators were looking into overloading as cause of the accident. The gondola or service elevator the victims used can supposedly accommodate up to six people only.
Eton says condolence The management of Eton Properties, meanwhile, condoled with the families of the victims and assured them of 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. In a statement, he said the workers were employees of ARLO Aluminum, a glass contractor/installer of the condominium project. De Pedro said 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 and construction management consultant to these safety regulations," he said, adding that based on witness accounts, the workers rode the gondola instead of taking the stairs during their break time. “However, since the platform can only carry a few workers, the cable snapped," he said. De Pedro added that their 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. A report in GMA 'Balitanghali' said the Eton construction began in 2008 and is supposed to be finished early this year. —with a report from Amita Legaspi/ LBG/KBK, GMANews.TV