Crane operator kills co-worker in accident

MANILA, Philippines - A crane operator, who was listening to music on his earphones, accidentally killed his signalman with the crane at a mall under construction in Quezon City Thursday afternoon.

Richard Cortez suffered injuries on the left side of the head and crushed ribs and died at the Quezon City General Hospital an hour after the accident at the construction site of Fisher’s Mall at the corner of Gen. Luis street and Roosevelt Avenue, Police Officer 2 Hermogenes Capili said.

Capili said they have in custody Reynaldo Vicente, 31, who now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide.

Vicente was operating a crane at the construction site with the help of the victim. After having moved the crane in the area where it was needed, Vicente started adjusting the boom.

Capili said Vicente was then wearing headphones and listening to music on his mobile phone. Because of this, Vicente thought the area was already clear and failed to notice the victim, who was still near the mobile crane.