Maynilad halts work, assures aid after fatal Las Piñas excavation collapse
Maynilad Water Services' official statement following the collapse of the excavation site for its pump station project in Las Piñas City (Photo courtesy of the Las Piñas City PIO)
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has suspended all work at a Las Piñas City construction site and launched a review with its contractor after an excavation collapse on Sunday that killed two workers and injured another.
The company said it is coordinating with authorities while conducting an internal review to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It also assured that immediate assistance and support will be provided to the families of the affected workers.
In its statement, Maynilad expressed gratitude to the local police, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for their swift response during rescue and retrieval operations after the concrete shaft at the lower portion of the 18-meter-deep excavation for the pump station collapsed.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, June 28, at around 2:52 p.m. at the corner of Aquarius and Libra Streets in Pamplona Park Subdivision, Barangay Pamplona Dos, according to Las Piñas Police assistant chief of operations Lt. Col. Teoson Rosarito.
Initial investigation revealed that five construction workers were excavating the site for a Maynilad pump station when the concrete shaft at the lower portion suddenly gave way.
Three workers were trapped beneath soil and debris, while two others managed to escape.
Rescuers later recovered two workers who were declared dead, while another was pulled out alive and rushed to Christ the King Hospital for treatment.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collapse, while Maynilad said it remains fully cooperative with the ongoing probe.