A 49-year-old backhoe operator drowned during river clearing operations in Barangay 1, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Friday, Nov. 21. (Hinigaran Municipal Police Station)
BACOLOD CITY – A 49-year-old backhoe operator drowned after the heavy equipment he was operating capsized during clearing operations in the reclamation area in Barangay 1, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Friday, Nov. 21.
Police identified the victim as Harvey, of Barangay Miranda, Hinigaran.
Investigation said the victim was operating an amphibious backhoe owned by the municipal government when it accidentally submerged around 8 a.m.
Police Lt. Col. Jovil Sedel, Hinigaran police chief, said because the soil was too soft, it reportedly turned on the left side until it capsized.
The incident was reported to authorities at 9:25 a.m. and the driver was extracted about an hour later.
He was declared dead in a hospital, according to the police.