Cement factory accident claims lives of 2 workers in Cebu

Two factory workers in San Fernando, Cebu died after they were buried under a pile of production materials used for making cement.

According to a 24 Oras report on Wednesday by Fe Marie Dumaboc of GMA Regional TV, the two men were cleaning the cement grinding area on Tuesday before the fatal accident.

The police identified the victims as Jonel Baruedan Sr. and Chaulin Sabayton, 46 and 45 years old, respectively.

Investigators said the men entered the bag house dust collector where waste from the cement process is collected. However, the area is supposed to be off-limits to personnel.

While the victims were inside, the bag house suddenly collapsed, burying the two victims in ash.

"Sila talaga ang naka-task doon pero as for safety protocol, hindi talaga pwede dapat pasukin yun. Nangyari is individual na decision nung foreman na pasukin yung ash, na silipin yung dust collector,” said Jan Christian Bautista, San Fernando Police chief.

(They were actually the ones tasked there but under safety protocol, they are not really allowed to enter there. What happened was an individual decision by the foreman to enter the ash, to inspect the dust collector.)

The two men were rushed to a hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

The bereaved family called on the company to finance the education of the victims’ children.

“Mag-uusap pa kami ng kumpanya, kung ano ang susunod na gagawin namin. Aasikasuhin ko po muna ang labi ng aking asawa, at mga anak ko sana makapagtapos sa pag-aaral, yung araw araw na pangangailangan dahil wala akong trabaho,” said Georgina Sabayton, the wife of one of the victims.

(We will talk with the company about what to do next. I'll take care of my husband's funeral first, and hopefully, my children can finish school and we are able meet their daily needs because I don't have a job.)

Operations in the cement building where the accident occurred have been temporarily suspended while the investigation continues.

The company has extended its condolences and is said to be contacting its contractor to meet the needs of the bereaved families.

It also said it will tighten its safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News