The festivities of the 2008 San Miguel Oktoberfest Friday night was followed by a tragic accident Saturday morning when 20 stagehands were electrocuted while they were dismantling trusses, props and other equipment used in the event.

 

Private contractor Events Circuit, which set up the production along San Miguel Avenue in Ortigas, took responsibility for the accident and cleared the event sponsor San Miguel Corporation. In a media statement Events Circuit said it will pay for the cost of the workers' hospitalization and treatment.

 

Thirteen workers were rushed to the Medical City for treatment, three among them in critical condition. Seven others received treatment for minor burns and were discharged from the Rizal Memorial Hospital. 

 

According to power distributor Meralco, which sent a team to the area to help clear away the production equipment, the stage was set up too close to the power distribution line. As a result, the workers were electrocuted when a truss touched the distribution line. According to Meralco, the stage should have been set up with a clearance of at least 10 feet from the distribution line.

 

Meralco also said it was fortunate that the accident did not happen while the event was going on, otherwise more people would have been hurt.

 

Police identified those rushed to the Medical City as: Chester Olaybal, 19, Of 463 Bgy Dalig Tubigan Antipolo City; Rodel Bautista Cabel, 25 Of 322 So Tubigan Antipolo City; Mario Elizaga, 27 Of 322 Maganda St. So Tubigan, Antipolo City; Benjie Felizardo Olea Of 554 Mh Del Pilar Pinagbuhatan Pasig; Romulo Avila Of Block 28 Lupang Ayrenda Taytay Rizal; Elyson Borja Balamasbad Of 310 Bgy Dalig Antipolo City; Jeffrey Zabala Of Molave St. Tondo Manila; and Jomar Ignacio Of Bgy Dalig, Antipolo City

 

Those in critical condition are: Marino Lanyuhan, Pinagbuhatan Pasig; Arman Ancheta, Antipolo City; Jonathan Devino, Antipolo City

 

The seven workers treated for minor injuries and released from the Rizal Memorial Hospital are: Christopher Grabillo Jr, 31; Onsimo Grabillo, 27; Janeley Solmeo, 22; Jerick Sandagon, 19; Roderick Vergara, 28; Walter Grimalt, 36; and Buenaventura Ferrer, 28

 

Meralco, meanwhile, said it has sent representatives to the hospitals where the victims were brought to extend assistance.

 

Meralco spokesman Elpi Cuna, however, clarified that the power firm has no liability in the accident noting that the electric post where the high tension wires are connected is permanent, complete with all the necessary permits from the Mandaluyong City Hall.

 

Cuna added that the contractors of Oktoberfest should have followed safety regulations and kept the stage away from the wires.

 

"In order to minimize accidents, construction personnel must simply adhere to basic safety precautions. They should keep a very safe distance from our line facilities while working," HE SAID.