A 25-year-old building caretaker was pinned to death by an elevator in Balut, Tondo, Manila, on Thursday, July 2.
A building caretaker was found dead after he was pinned by an elevator inside a building in Balut, Tondo, Manila on Thursday, July 2. (Photos from MPD)
Police identified the victim as alias “Jhon,” caretaker of a building at the corner of Rodriguez and Nepa Streets in Barangay 141.
According to the Raxabago Police Station, the victim was found dead at around 9 a.m.
Initial investigation revealed that a witness had been instructed to check on the caretaker. Upon arriving, the witness discovered that the access between the fourth and fifth floors was locked from the inside.
A building caretaker was found dead after he was pinned by an elevator inside a building in Balut, Tondo, Manila on Thursday, July 2. (Photos from MPD)
Moments later, the witness noticed the elevator door open and found the victim lifeless in the maintenance room adjacent to the shaft.
Police said the witness immediately sought help from the Smokey Mountain Police Community Precinct.
Authorities reported that the caretaker had been inspecting an area between the elevator shaft and a water tank when he allegedly failed to notice the elevator descending. With no protective barrier separating the two areas, he was fatally pinned.
A building caretaker was found dead after he was pinned by an elevator inside a building in Balut, Tondo, Manila on Thursday, July 2. (Photos from MPD)
The victim was last seen alive by his girlfriend at around 7 a.m. inside a room in the building. His sibling said they were shocked by the incident, adding that they had just spoken to him the previous day.
The building owner has expressed willingness to shoulder funeral expenses.
However, the Manila Police District said any possible liability on the part of the owner will depend on the outcome of the investigation.
As of press time, authorities are continuing their probe to determine the exact cause of the incident.