One Worker Dies As Wall Collapses in Cebu City

A worker died when a wall in a construction site along Salvador Extension in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City collapsed at about 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Eric Llera, a welder from Toledo City, was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.

Llera was wearing a harness, preventing him from escaping to safety.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said he had asked the construction company to submit an incident report explaining what happened.

He said he received reports that the management of the construction site refused entry to the police, rescue workers and fire department personnel.

Labella, who arrived at the scene at past 1 p.m., was allowed entry only after 20 minutes.

“That is why they have to make an explanation. We are asking them to submit an incident report and then they have to make an explanation even on what (was) claimed that some personnel were not allowed to enter,” Labella said.

Some members of the police, barangay officials and members of Cebu media went to the area but were refused entry by building security.

Policemen were denied entry to the place as of noon.

Labella said the construction engineer told him they were scared that another accident would happen.

Labella arrived at the site with a member of the Office of the Building Official (OBO) and one police.

Workers have begun digging the ground where Casa Mira Towers is to be constructed.

Labella said the OBO stopped the construction until the construction firm could assure that everything is safe for the workers. (PNA) CVL/EB/EDS