Four people died due to suspected gas poisoning in a tunnel in Barangay Magsaysay Hill, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya.

The victims, one of whom was a councilman, were trapped down a 10-meter deep hole.

The councilman reportedly was among the first responders.

According to PMAJ. Frederick Ferrer, the chief of the Bambang police, the victims may have dug the hole for water. 

Several rescue teams worked together in responding to the incident.

One of the rescuers, Marlon Siopon, also found himself unconscious inside the tunnel while attempting to save the victims. 

“Sabi ko hilahin ko lubid kapag nahila ko yun ibig sabhin hilahin niyo na ako pataas at yun nawalan na ako ng malay,” Siopon said.

He was rescued eventually with the help of equipment from a local mining company.

Based on investigation, the victims may have been exposed to methane gas in the tunnel, which led to oxygen deprivation.