Guiuan, Eastern Samar – A miner was declared dead on arrival (DOA) at a local hospital, while his seven fellow miners were confined after the shanty they took shelter in was hit by lightning around 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 10, in Brgy. Cagusu-an, Homonhon Island, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
According to a police report obtained by The Samar Chronicle, the deceased miner was identified as “Aljon,” 33, a resident of Brgy. Casuguran, Homonhon.
The injured miners were identified as “Karen,” 22, a checker from Brgy. Pagbabangnan, Homonhon; “Angel,” 30, self-employed from Brgy. Cagusu-an, Homonhon; “Tommy,” 28, self-employed from Brgy. 3; “Floriza,” 42, a lead woman from Brgy. Casuguran, Homonhon; “Darlene,” 23, equipment monitoring from Brgy. Cagusu-an, Homonhon; “June,” 42, a lead man from Brgy. Cagusu-an, Homonhon; and “Marvin,” 31, a lead man from Brgy. Cagusu-an, Homonhon.
Dioscora Geneza, a midwife and resident of Homonhon Island, told police investigators that the miners took shelter in a shanty at the mining site during a heavy downpour and thunderstorm. The shanty had no clear walls and was covered only by unused sacks, with a corrugated steel roof. Geneza further narrated that while the miners were resting, lightning struck the shanty, hitting two victims who were using cell phones.
The victims sustained burns and were taken to Ponferrada Hospital for medical treatment. “Aljon” was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police investigations are still ongoing.
(More of this story in a follow-up report later.)
(Photos courtesy of Guiuan Fire Station Information Office)
