Construction worker pinned down by collapsed concrete wall

MANILA, Philippines - A construction worker died after he was pinned down by a concrete wall that collapsed while work was in progress along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City early evening Tuesday.

Senior Police Officer 1 Joel Landicho, officer-on-case, identified the victim as a certain Edgardo Flores, of legal age.

Flores was reportedly engaged in construction activity involving the Roxas Canal North Inland Channel project, that is along the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard and in front of the US Seafront when the incident happened around 6:30 p.m.

A report from the Pasay City Police Station Investigation and Detective Management Section showed that Flores was with co-worker Jose Grimpluma, 29, resident of Dasmariñas, Cavite when the wall collapsed.

Grimpluma, however, was still able to run to safer ground and sought the help of their foreman identified as Rolando Almoros. The two brought the victim to the nearest hospital but expired while undergoing treatment.

A private company, JD Legaspi Construction, is said to be responsible for the said project that is envisioned to help control floodings in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Pasay police chief Senior Superintendent Raul Petrasanta said they are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine if there were lapses in the safety measures being implemented by the company concerning the project, and if the latter should be held liable in the death of Flores.      – Rhodina Villanueva