A 23-year-old man died while two others were injured after they were electrocuted while installing a solar light post in Surallah, South Cotabato on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Surallah, the victims were installing the solar light post using a forklift at Crossing T’boli in Barangay Libertad when the post reportedly hit a live power cable.

“Yung according doon sa mga kasamahan nila, nag-i-install sila ng poste ng solar lights doon sa kanto mismo, parang nasagi nila ang wire ng kuryente,” BFP Surallah Municipal Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector Josiah Delmo, said.

The 23-year-old man was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. His two companions, 51 and 37 years old, sustained injuries.

Delmo added that the victims were not wearing any protective gear or equipment at that time.

“Wala talaga, ultimo gloves, wala talaga sila,” Delmo added.

The incident also caused a brief power interruption, which was restored after a few minutes by personnel of the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative I (SOCOTECO I).

In a statement, SOCOTECO I clarified that the installation of solar light posts was not their project and that they are still verifying the identity of the group responsible for the installation.

The Surallah Municipal Police Station is also investigating the incident.

“Advice naming, sana nag-coordinate sila sa electric company or sa engineering office para at least ma-guide sila kung ano ang tama, kung ano ang gagawin doon,” Delmo added.