QC gov't orders probe on wall collapse that killed 1, injured 3

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday ordered an investigation into the collapse of a concrete wall at the QC Hall compound on Thursday night that left  one dead and three others injured.

“Inatasan na natin si City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral na pangunahan ang imbestigasyon sa insidente at tingnan kung may dapat managot sa insidente,” Belmonte said.

(We instructed City Engineer Atty. Dale Perral to lead the probe into the incident to see who should be held liable for this.)

”Isa sa mga unang aalamin ang sistemang pinaiiral ng kontratista sa construction site, at kung binigyang halaga ba ang aspeto ng occupational safety para sa kanilang manggagawa,” the mayor added.

(One of the things we will look into is the contractor’s system and if occupational safety is being implemented.)

Initial investigation showed a portion of the wall of the Civic Center B Building fell at around 10 p.m. during demolition for the installment of an elevator in front of the building.

The wall was supposed to be demolished in a week’s time and should be removed part by part before a big section made of hollow blocks crumbled.

All the victims were employees of MRB II Construction Corporation, the contracted firm for the project. They were immediately rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment.

Perral said the wall being demolished is part of the architectural wall and will not affect the structural integrity of the whole building. He also said the investigation will focus on the contractor’s compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

Construction will proceed as scheduled while additional safety measures are put in place.

“Rest assured that Civic Center B is still structurally sound and safe for use. Just the same, we will ensure that the construction site, especially the ground floor, will be cordoned off and safe for passersby and city hall employees,” Perral added.

The QC government extended financial aid to the bereaved family while medical assistance was provided to the injured workers.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News