A backhoe operator drowned in a river in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental after he got trapped inside the vehicle that tipped over.

A resident caught the incident on video. The video showed that the backhoe, a property of the local government unit (LGU), was at the reclamation area of Barangay 1, Hinigaran town for the clearing of the river from mud, fallen trees, and other debris.

However, the backhoe slid and tipped over.

According to the person who took the video, the operator would have wanted to move to the other side of the river, but the soil was probably too soft.

“Ok pa siya noong una. Siguro akala niya, makaya niyang bumaba pa. Okay pa noong pumunta na sa tubig pero iyon nga, hindi niya inexpect,”said Myra Masion, a resident.

Residents sought help immediately for a rescue operation.

“Medyo tumagal pero sinubukan talaga ng DRRMO [Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office] na i-rescue. Pero iyon nga, mahirap kasi sa (lakas) ng current ng tubig,” said Lt. Col. Jovil Sedel, officer in charge of Hinigaran Municipal Police Station.

According to the police, the 49-year-old backhoe operator was stuck in the vehicle for about three hours.

“Sa pag-conduct ng investigation, nang bumaliktad, hindi siya nakalabas kasi sarado. Iyon din, napuno ng putik,” Sedel added.

Aside from soggy river soil or peat, police have investigated other possible causes of the incident.