Woman electrocuted while collecting shellfish

CEBU, Philippines — A 27-year-old woman died after being electrocuted by a live electrical wire while on her way to gather shellfish in Barangay Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu, on Wednesday morning, July 15.

According to the Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station, the victim was on her way to a fishpond in Purok Lagaw at around 7 a.m. to gather sisi, a kind of shellfish, when the incident occurred.

Police investigation showed that the woman accidentally bumped into a concrete electric post, causing her to lose her balance and fall toward a sagging secondary electrical wire.

Authorities said the victim was unaware that the wire was active and was electrocuted after coming into contact with it.

Police officers responded to the scene after receiving a report from Cebeco III at around 8:30 a.m. The medico-legal officer of the Pinamungajan Rural Health Unit later declared the woman dead at the scene.

Further investigation showed that the electric post had tilted after the ground surrounding the fishpond where it was erected had softened, weakening its foundation and causing the secondary electrical wire to sag.

Police said the sagging wire is believed to have led to the victim's accidental contact with the energized line.

An external examination of the victim's body found no signs of foul play or injuries indicating criminal violence, authorities said.

Based on witness statements, the condition of the scene, and the initial medico-legal findings, investigators concluded that the incident was a case of accidental electrocution.

The victim's remains were turned over to her family on Thursday, July 16. Police said they continue to coordinate with the concerned agencies regarding the circumstances surrounding the sagging power line.