San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the head of concession holder of the Skyway Extension construction project has vowed to care for the victims of the recent accident that occurred in Bgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa, last Saturday. In an official statement, SMC president and chief operating officer, Ramon Ang, said that while project contractor EEI Corporation was the one handling the construction of the project, as project proponent, SMC has a responsibility to take care of the victims.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) issued an apology to the victims and assured them that the company would make sure all their needs would be taken care of, and more.

“Even with a contractor handling construction, ultimately, we are responsible for the welfare of those who were affected. I would like to personally apologize to the victims and their families, as well as to our larger community in Muntinlupa,” Ang said.

The accident was reportedly caused by a crane that tipped over as it moved into position, which then hit a steel girder causing it to fall on six vehicles, resulted in one fatality and four injuries.

“This terrible and tragic accident has affected me in ways I can’t even begin to express. I have not stopped thinking about the people who were affected, the four that were injured and most especially, the person who perished, and his family. There are no words that can ease the grief of losing a loved one,” Ang said.

“To the family, I can only offer my sincerest and deepest condolences, and my personal assurance that your family will be taken care of. To those who were injured, please be assured we will provide all the means necessary for you to recover and restart,” he added.

Ang also vowed that the incident will be investigated thoroughly, and that SMC and its contractor EEI will make sure even stricter measures are in place at the project site.

“In a project of this magnitude and scale, there are many redundant safety measures in place. Unfortunately, we can’t predict every outcome, and I’m sure no one wanted this to happen,” Ang said.

“Regardless, we are working with authorities to determine the root cause of this incident. We will find out where lapses occured and do whatever is necessary to help make sure they don’t happen again.”

After initial assessment, SMC said this incident will set back the completion of the Skyway Extension Project from the December 2020 deadline to February 2021.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Monday issued an order suspending work in the construction site to give way to the investigation. The investigation will determine if there were violations in the occupational safety and health standards, among others.