5 dug out alive from Baguio cave-in

BAGUIO CITY — Concrete, rocks and soil collapsed on five carpenters working on the P41.8 million drainage system rehabilitation project along the Magsaysay Avenue this city, burying them late Friday afternoon.

The five, all Pangasinan province residents are: Rey Bugarin, 41, a foreman from Paldit, Sison town; Mario Balcita, 48, from Pozzorubio town; Sylveliano Donato, 63, from Aguilar town; Manuel Derije, 45, from Tanudan town; and Johnny Sarmiento, 48, of Santa Maria town.

The five carpenters were rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment from their serious wounds after authorities rescued them. They are still confined in the hospital, recovering from their injuries although authorities claim no one sustained very serious injuries.

The incident prompted city officials here to ask the private contractor, Goldrich Construction, to institute measures for the safety of its workers and the pedestrian public. — Artemio Dumlao