Boy crushed by basketball goal post at unfinished Pampanga court

A 13-year-old boy died after a movable basketball goal post crushed him while he and two other minors were inside an unfinished covered court in Magalang, Pampanga, police said on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

The incident happened at the covered court in Barangay San Isidro, which had not yet been completed or turned over to the village government, according to authorities.

Police said the three minors entered the fenced-off facility before climbing onto the basketball goal. The victim reportedly hung from the rim while the group shook the structure, causing it to lose balance and topple.

"Pumunta po kami sa mismong area. Ayun nga, kinumpirma nila na may nangyaring ganoong insidente. Sa initial investigation namin, may tatlong menor de edad na pumasok doon sa covered court na hindi pa tapos at hindi pa naiti-turn over sa Barangay San Isidro," Lt. Col. Fercel Deloria, chief of the Magalang Police Station, said.

Barangay Chairman Rodolfo Banal said the court was still under construction and remained closed to the public.

"Ang totoo po nito, ito po ay nakabakod pa po ng yero. Binuksan po nila 'yung yero kaya pumasok sila, nilaro 'yung court, 'yung moveable court. Hindi pa talaga po tapos 'yung court kasi 'yung daanan pa pinapagawa ko pa. One week pa bago buksan," Banal said.

Deloria said the victim was hanging from the rim when the basketball goal fell.

"Pumasok sila sa mismong lugar at umakyat sila sa basketball stand. Parang silang tatlo, inalog nila ang mismong ring ng court. Eventually, iyong isa ay nag-hang sa mismong ring. Kumapit siya roon gamit ang kaniyang mga kamay, at doon bumagsak ang basketball stand," he said.

The victim's aunt said the boy had just come from church before joining others at the court.

"After niya magsimba, dumaan siya doon sa basketball na iyon. Tapos may mga tao talaga doon, may mga naglalaro doon, kaya pumasok din siya para maglaro. Naglambitin siya. Kung maayos lang ang pagkakagawa ng basketball ring na iyon, hindi matutumba. Wala kasing pampabigat sa baba ng basketball ring. Nananawagan po kami na mabigyan po ng hustisya 'yung pamangkin ko sa nangyari," said Aslimah Panggaga.

Investigation into the incident continues as of posting. —GMA Regional TV News