A household helper and a painter who tried to rescue her died after being electrocuted at a house at Purok Daisy, Brgy. Talacagay, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, on Thursday morning, July 17.
The victims were identified as Jornalyn Omaque, 36, a house helper from Brgy. Bongalonan, Basay, Negros Oriental, and Florante Janoy, 40, a painter from Brgy. Talacagay,
Maj. Jaynick Bermudez, Hinoba-an Police Chief, said Omaque was hanging laundry at the residence of her employer, Kenny Villanueva, when she accidentally touched a clothesline that had come into contact with an exposed live electrical wire.
Janoy, who was nearby, rushed to help her but was also electrocuted after grabbing the same clothesline.
Both victims were immediately brought to the Eleuterio Decena Memorial Hospital, where they were declared dead.
Following the incident, the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (NOCECO) – Hinoba-an responded to fix the electrical hazard and assured that corrective measures were taken to prevent similar accidents in the area.
Bermudez urged the public to exercise caution, especially during the rainy season when the risk of electrical hazards increases.
He also reminded parents to keep a close watch on children, who may not be aware of the dangers posed by exposed wires, electric posts, and flooded areas.*