Two men died after they reportedly ran out of oxygen while digging a deep hole for the installation of a water pump in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on Monday afternoon, May 11.
The victims were identified as Arlan Escaño, 25, and Arnel Gonzales, 35, of Brgy. Simborio, Pamplona.
Initial investigation showed one of the victims first descended into the hole, which was about 31 feet deep, but later stopped responding.
Authorities said the second victim went down to try to help his companion but also became unresponsive.
Police believe the two suffered difficulty breathing due to lack of oxygen inside the narrow and deep excavation site, resulting in suffocation.
The victims were rushed to a hospital after the incident was discovered at around 2 p.m., but they were both declared dead.*
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