3 siblings die from electrocution in QC apartment

Three siblings, aged 19, 15, and 12, died after they were electrocuted at their apartment in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City on Friday evening, according to a GMA News report by Gabriel Gonzales.

Initial investigation showed that about 6 p.m., one of the victims was fixing clothes hanging on a clothesline outside their apartment when the victim suddenly cried out in pain after allegedly coming into contact with a metal clothesline that may have been electrically energized.

The victim's older brother and another younger sibling rushed to help but were also electrocuted.

A fourth sibling, the youngest in the family, also tried to help. However, upon touching the window, the child reportedly felt an electric current and realized the area was live. Instead of going further, the child ran downstairs and sought help from neighbors.

Personnel from the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QC DRRMO) immediately responded and rushed the three victims to a hospital, but they were later declared dead.

The victims' father said he remains devastated and could not believe the tragedy that befell his children.

Initial inspection by Meralco showed that the circuit breaker connected to the air conditioning unit in the apartment was found to be grounded, so there may have been an electrical fault in the building.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident, including whether faulty electrical wiring or a grounded metal clothesline contributed to the electrocutions.

In a statement on Sunday, the Quezon City government said it will shoulder the funeral expenses of the victims. Educational assistance will also be provided to the younger siblings of the victims, it added.

Further, the local government said an investigation on the incident is ongoing.

“Patuloy naman ang isinasagawang imbestigasyon ang QC Department of Building Official (DBO) at Quezon City Police District (QCPD) para alamin kung may naging pagkukulang sa nangyari. Tinitiyak ng lokal na pamahalaan na kakasuhan at pananagutin ang sinumang mapapatunayan na responsable sa trahedya,” the city government said in a statement.

(The QC Department of Building Official (DBO) and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) are continuously conducting an investigation to determine if there was any negligence involved in the incident. The local government assures that anyone proven responsible for this tragedy will be charged and held accountable.)

“Base sa Local Building Code of Quezon City (City Ordinance SP-2518, S-2016), responsibilidad ng mga building owner na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga mag-ookupa sa apartment kaya't kailangang mayroon itong mga karampatang permit, tulad ng Locational Clearance, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, at Electrical Permit.”

(Based on the Local Building Code of Quezon City (City Ordinance SP-2518, S-2016), it is the responsibility of building owners to ensure the safety of the apartment occupants, which is why it must have the appropriate permits, such as a Locational Clearance, Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, and Electrical Permit.) —MCG/KG/RF, GMA News