Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : A serious accident occurred on Tuesday morning, December 12, 2023, in Cebu City, when a payloader operator found himself trapped and injured after the heavy equipment he was operating fell into a nearby river. The incident took place on V. Rama Avenue, Barangay Sambag 2, and caused panic among onlookers.
The victim has been identified as Catalino Brazil, a 61-year-old married man from Surigao City. Brazil was employed by Charles Construction Company, working on the city’s flood control project at the time of the accident. His job was to operate the payloader, a large construction vehicle used to lift and transport heavy materials.
According to Nilo Santillan, the construction foreman overseeing the project, the payloader suddenly plummeted approximately five meters down into the river after its engine failed. In its descent, the payloader collided with a nearby backhoe before ultimately coming to a rest on the riverbed, tragically pinning Brazil’s leg beneath its weight.
Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and Brazil was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Fortunately, reports indicate that his condition is now stable, and he is out of immediate danger. The extent of his injuries, however, has not been disclosed.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that construction workers face daily while carrying out their duties. Employers and construction companies must prioritize safety measures and provide comprehensive training to minimize the risks associated with heavy machinery operation.
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the payloader’s engine failure and determine whether any negligence or equipment malfunction contributed to the accident. Construction sites should adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As Brazil recovers from his injuries, the incident serves as a reminder for both workers and employers to prioritize safety in all construction operations. Our thoughts are with Brazil and his family, and we hope for his swift and complete recovery from this unfortunate accident.