Lineman dies during transformer energization in Escalante

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 24-year-old lineman died after being electrocuted while working on a power line in Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.

The victim, identified as “Orly,” was an employee of a private contractor and a resident of Victorias City.

According to Police Capt. Lindsey Caraballe, deputy chief of the Escalante City Police Station, Orly was attempting to tap a power line to an electrical post as part of the energization of a transformer when the accident occurred at 9:30 a.m.

Initial reports from his colleagues indicate that he came into contact with a live wire from a secondary line, resulting in a fatal electric shock, Caraballe said.

The team had reportedly coordinated with the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO) for the procedure.

A power outage ensued following the incident, and rescuers and NONECO personnel took more than an hour to bring the victim down from the post, Caraballe said.

He was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The Department of Labor and Employment reminds contractors and utilities to enforce lockout–tagout procedures and ensure the use of personal protective equipment during line work, which are standard safety controls meant to prevent energized-contact incidents.