2 pinned by fallen canopy

CEBU, Philippines - A mother and a daughter were seriously injured after a steel canopy fell on them yesterday morning while they were walking on a pavement along Manalili Street, Cebu City.

Cynthia Andrada, 34, and her daughter Shean Andrada, 11-years-old, of Barangay T. Padilla were brought to Chong Hua Hospital after they sustained severe injuries on the different parts of their bodies.

Lilia Cubacob, a vendor who was just nearby, said that she heard a sound and saw the victims pinned down under the fallen canopy of Jacky’s Fashion Wear.

“Nakadungog ko naay nikuto mao to nidagan ko, paglingi nako naay nadat-ogan natagak ang billboard diha, mao to nanawag kog tabang.  Ana ko tabangi kay naay nadat-ogan kay ang tindera og gwardya nidagan man sa sulod,” Cubacob narrated.

Ramil Perotcho, the guard detailed at the shop during the time of the incident, was almost pinned down as well but was able to run.

“Nakadungog ko nikuto unya naay natagak mao to giingnan ko nila guard padaplin wala man ko kabantay. Una naigo nako kay ang trapal man, mao to nakakuan kog dali-dali pero naigo gyud ko diri dapita sa likod,” he added.

Perotcho said it was still an unfortunate event for him since he was only asked to take over the post of another security guard who was supposed to be on duty that night.

“First time nga duty diri, pirmerong adlaw nako nga duty malas lagi, gipuli ra ko diri,” he said.

He said he saw Cynthia, who had a cut on her right shoulder, calling for help. Cynthia’s upper body was caught under the canopy but her 11-year-old daughter was completely pinned down.

Perotcho said he tried to pull out Shean but she could not stand and she told him, “naa pa baya koy klasi ugma kuya.”  (FREEMAN)