Mass panic sparks deadly stampede in Cebu gym

MANILA, Philippines - A four-year-old girl and her family were waiting for cash subsidies with her family and hundreds of others at a sports complex in Cebu City when they felt the ground shake yesterday.

Moments later, people rushing out of the gym in panic had trampled Shaisa Mia Peteluna to death.

Peteluna, of Barangay Tahao, Pinamungajan, was taken to the Pinamungajan District Hospital.

At least 46 people were reported injured in the stampede.

Desk officer PO1 Ronilo Lawas said Shaisa was separated from her parents when people started to panic.

In Mandaue City, a 42-year-old meat vendor died after a glass wall fell on her head while she was rushing out of the city’s public market during the earthquake. Jorenda Casul was declared dead on arrival at the Mandaue City District Hospital.

Also in Cebu, the earthquake caused the ceiling of the Pasil Fish Market to collapse, killing Leona Cabarubias, 66; Rendolino Bondoc, 46; Alberto Sembreno, 45; and a certain Roger.

Police said two others died of heart attack. Their identities have not yet been established.

The four victims were either fish vendors or laborers at the Pasil Fish Market. One of the injured lost his legs, reports said. Freeman News Service