Boom truck driver dies of electrocution

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A boom truck driver-operator allegedly died from electrocution while on duty morning of June 7, 2022 in Oton, Iloilo.

Police identified the victim as Romnick Yapit, 34, a native of Barangay Gen. Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija but was temporarily residing in Pavia, Iloilo.

Yapit worked for a drilling company based in Luzon but was contracted by the Metro Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Inc.

As reported to police authorities, the victim was operating the boom truck to do water well drilling operation at Barangay Cabolo-an Norte, Oton when the incident happened.

The tip of the truck boom allegedly touched the primary line of the Iloilo Electric Cooperative-1 (ILECO-1) which led to Yapit’s alleged electrocution.

He was rushed to Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City but was declared dead on arrival.

Major Kenn Albert Lepsia, Oton police chief, said the incident happened 10 a.m. but it was only reported to them at 6:14 p.m.

Shirben Leo Bensurto, 39, field engineer of Metro Iloilo Bulk Water Supply, personally reported the incident to Oton Police Station.

“When we arrived at the scene, the evidence have been taken out for fear that similar incident might happen,” Lepsia said.

A lawyer for Yapit has contacted the police about the incident.

“For now, we haven’t received any complaint from the victim’s family,” Lepsia said.

It can be noted that a 22-year-old man was also found dead on June 6 in San Joaquin, Iloilo. It was believed that the victim also died from electrocution.