BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya – A barangay councilor and three laborers died from suspected methane gas poisoning after they were trapped in a hole for a septic tank in Magsaysay Hills here on Monday, May 6.
FOUR persons were killed by suspected methane gas in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.
Police identified the victims as Barangay Councilor Marlon Oden and laborers Heremias Padilla, Dionisio Alosen, and Silbino Mendoza.
Investigation said that the three laborers were digging a hole for a septic tank when water appeared, prompting the owner to tell them to continue digging to make it a source of water due to scarce water supply in the area.
Methane gas allegedly spewed when the victims had dug a depth of 10.5 meters and sought help after inhaling the lethal gas.
Oden responded went down the hole. However, they were all trapped and killed by the lethal gas.
Rescuers took four hours to retrieve the body of the victims and 11 families living near the hole were evacuated.
The Dipidio Mine is conducting testing and monitoring the air near the hole to ensure the safety of residents from gas poisoning.
The local government has extended assistance to the victims’ family and evacuated residents.