Two students died after being electrocuted during a Color and Bubble Fun Run at Cauayan South Central School in Cauayan City, Isabela, on Saturday morning, October 3.
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| Photo courtesy: Jeffrey Feliciano via Harris Julio / Facebook |
Police said four children were affected by the electrical incident at around 6:20 a.m. while participants were gathered inside a bubble-filled area at the school.
The fatalities were identified by relatives and witnesses only by the aliases Keith, an 8-year-old male student, and Lean, a 7-year-old female student, who were both rushed to medical facilities but were pronounced dead at 6:52 a.m.
Initial investigation showed that the children were playing near a machine producing thick bubbles when they were electrocuted, with a possible electrical short circuit or grounding being considered as the cause.
Two other children, aged 9 and 6, were also brought to Cauayan Medical Specialist Hospital and Cauayan District Hospital, respectively, after sustaining injuries.
The 9-year-old, who suffered wounds and abrasions on the arm and hands, was later discharged, while the 6-year-old remained under observation.
Witness Jeffrey Feliciano said he saw a boy lying unconscious after the bubbles cleared and immediately carried him toward the rescue team.
“Paglihis nung bubbles, bata na ‘yung nasa sahig. Binuhat ko na, itinakbo ko na siya. Pero ‘yung bata, lupaypay na, parang wala na siyang buhay, kasi sobrang violet na ‘yung labi niya,” Feliciano said.
He also recalled seeing rescuers perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on another child.
“Pagbukas ko ng pintuan ng rescue, meron ‘yung isang batang babae dun na sini-CPR nila,” Feliciano said.
Feliciano said several parents had already been warning about a possible electrical current in the area where the bubble activity was held.
“Sa finish line na ‘yung bubbles… maraming parent ang nagsasabi na may ground, lagi ‘yun ang naririnig,” he said.
“Kakarating pa lang namin sa finish line, so puro ground na ‘yung maririnig mo, may ground, may ground, ganun,” Feliciano added.
He said some parents subsequently called their children away from the bubble area after hearing the warnings.
The event began around 4 a.m. and drew more than 1,000 participants before the runners returned to the school, where the bubble activity was held.
Cauayan City police chief Maj. Christian Felix said investigators are examining electrical installations, extension wires used for the bubble machines and other equipment to determine the source of the current and establish possible safety lapses.
Isabela Police Provincial Office director Col. Manuel Bringas ordered a thorough investigation to determine responsibility and file charges if warranted.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III also visited the school to look into the incident and speak with teachers present during the activity.
The Schools Division Office of Cauayan City expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara also expressed sympathy and reiterated that the safety and well-being of learners and personnel remain a top priority.
The school administration, teachers, staff and School Parent-Teacher Association likewise expressed their condolences and appealed to the public to await the results of the investigation.
Authorities urged the public to refrain from speculation and sharing unverified information while the investigation continues.
— The Summit Express
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