Two workers died and three others suffered serious injuries after electrocution while dismantling a Christmas tree in Mabinay town, Negros Oriental on Monday, January 6, at around 5 pm.
Police Major Nelson Lamoco, Chief of the Mabinay Police Station, said the workers were using a manlift truck to dismantle a giant Christmas tree when they accidentally struck a live electrical wire.
He added that responders quickly rushed the victims to the nearest medical facility.
Police identified the fatalities as Elnie Endencio and Jonel Tenebroso, while medical staff continue to care for the three survivors, including a youth village official and two workers from Barangay Arebasore of the town, in Dumaguete City.
Rainy weather likely compromised the electrical system during the operation, increasing the risk of electrocution, Lamoco said.
Barangay Arebasore submitted the Christmas tree as their entry for the Lingganay Festival, an annual event of the town where barangays compete by showcasing creatively designed Christmas trees.
Authorities are investigating whether the workers followed proper safety protocols and reviewing the precautions taken to prevent contact with live electrical wires.
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.