Young laborer dies after being trapped inside a well for hours
PINUKPUK, Kalinga — A 16-year-old laborer died after being trapped inside a 17-meter-deep well while working in Barangay Taga here on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Police identified the victim as alias Pullat, a resident of Barangay Junction, Pinukpuk. He was retrieved from the well at around 5:05 p.m., nearly four hours after the incident was reported.
Initial police investigation showed that Pullat was finishing work inside the well with a companion when a power interruption caused the blower supplying air into the confined space to stop.
His companion initially tried to pull him out using a pulley but panicked and later sought assistance.
Responding authorities worked for several hours to retrieve Pullat from the well.
Pinukpuk police Chief Capt. Tyrone John Balanay said the victim was declared dead at the scene.
Police said the loss of the blower’s air supply may have led to the victim’s death, but the exact cause has yet to be established.
The incident remains under investigation.