Lineman fatally injured by falling utility pole

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A tragic accident claimed the life of 36-year-old Ernesto Puertas, Jr., a lineman from Gimeno St., Guimbal, Iloilo, when a utility pole he was working on toppled onto him.

The incident occurred in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao at approximately 8:20 a.m. on March 10, while Puertas and a team of five other linemen were engaged in the installation and relocation of utility poles.

According to Captain Francis Donne Lomahan, Miag-ao’s police chief, the pole was being hoisted by a boom truck when its cable unexpectedly gave way, causing the steel post to plummet.

“The pole struck the victim’s chest and body,” reported Lomahan.

Puertas was promptly transported to Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital in Guimbal but was pronounced dead by 9:15 a.m.

Authorities are currently considering the event as a tragic mishap. In a heartfelt statement, the Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO I) expressed their profound grief over the loss of Puertas, who they described as a dedicated lineman who died in service to his community.

“His passing is a great loss to our organization and the community he served,” ILECO I stated.