1 dead, 1 hurt in accidental electrocution

MANILA, Philippines - A man died when he was electrocuted as he tried to pull out illegal jumpers that had been throwing off sparks in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Kevin Matias, 22, and his friend, Yuri Gagarin, also 22, were rushed to the hospital but only Gagarin survived.

Matias was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. His left hand was severely burned from touching the power line, while Gagarin – who tried to help him – suffered second-degree burns on his neck and right hand.

Senior Police Officer 2 Mario Turiano said Matias and Gagarin were celebrating the birthday of a friend. The three were drinking liquor when they noticed an illegal electricity connections nearby sparking.

Concerned that this might cause a fire in the neighborhood, Matias reached for the cable, not heeding the residents warning him against doing so.

Matias was electrocuted when he got hold of the connections, and Gagarin also received an electric shock when he tried to help his friend.